It often happens that things come into the mind in a more finished form than could have been achieved after much study.

If we had no faults, we would not derive so much pleasure from noting those of other people.

Death and the sun are not to be looked at steadily.

Those who occupy their minds with small matters, generally become incapable of greatness.

No man deserves to be praised for his goodness, who has it not in his power to be wicked. Goodness without that power is generally nothing more than sloth, or an impotence of will.

We often pride ourselves on even the most criminal passions, but envy is a timid and shamefaced passion we never dare to acknowledge.

We frequently are troublesome to others, when we think it impossible for us ever to be so.