The most sure method of subjecting yourself to be deceived is to consider yourself more cunning than others.

The largest ambition has the least appearance of ambition when it meets with an absolute impossibility in compassing its object.

The only good copies are those which make us see the absurdity of bad originals.

It takes more strength of character to withstand good fortune than bad.

The tranquility or agitation of our temper does not depend so much on the big things which happen to us in life, as on the pleasant or unpleasant arrangements of the little things which happen daily.

What we take for high-mindedness is very often no other than ambition well disguised, that scorns means interests, only to pursuegreater.

We always like those who admire us.