There are few occasions when we should make a bad bargain by giving up the good on condition that no ill was said of us.

Pity is a sense of our own misfortunes in those of another man; it is a sort of foresight of the disasters which may befall ourselves. We assist others,, in order that they may assist us on like occasions; so that the services we offer to the unfortunate are in reality so many anticipated kindnesses to ourselves.

We label judges with having the meanest motives, and yet we desire that our reputation and fame should depend upon the judgment of men, who are all, either from their jealousy or preoccupation or want of intelligence, opposed to us - and yet despite their bias, just for the sake of making these men decide in our favor, we peril in so many ways both our peace and our life.

Old age is a tyrant, who forbids, under pain of death, the pleasures of youth.

However glorious an action in itself, it ought not to pass for great if it be not the effect of wisdom and intention.

Most men, like plants, possess hidden qualities which chance discovers.

The truest comparison we can make of love is to liken it to a fever; we have no more power over the one than the other, either as to its violence or duration.