The temperament that produces a talent for little things is the opposite of that required for great ones.

A good woman is a hidden treasure; who discovers her will do well not to boast about it.

The prospect of being pleased tomorrow will never console me for the boredom of today.

No men are oftener wrong than those that can least bear to be so.

When fortune surprises us by giving us some great office without having gradually led us to expect it, or without having raised our hopes, it is well nigh impossible to occupy it well, and to appear worthy to fill it.

How can we expect another to keep our secret if we have been unable to keep it ourselves?

Without humility, we keep all our defects; and they are only crusted over by pride, which conceals them from others, and often from ourselves.