Whatever pretext we may give for our affections, often it is only interest and vanity which cause them.

Intrepidity is an extraordinary strength of soul, which raises it above the troubles, disorders and emotions which the sight of great perils can arouse in it; by this strength heroes maintain a calm aspect and preserve their reason and liberty in the most surprising and terrible accidents.

It is not enough to have great qualities; We should also have the management of them.

We think very few people sensible, except those who are of our opinion.

Whatever ignominy or disgrace we have incurred, it is almost always in our power to reestablish our reputation.

To awaken a man who is deceived as to his own merit is to do him as bad a turn as that done to the Athenian madman who was happy in believing that all the ships touching at the port belonged to him.

Few things are needed to make a wise man happy; nothing can make a fool content; that is why most men are miserable.