That good disposition which boasts of being most tender is often stifled by the least urging of self-interest.

We should not judge a man's merits by his great qualities, but by the use he makes of them.

We are never so ridiculous through what we are as through what we pretend to be.

We are never so easily deceived as when we imagine we are deceiving others.

We sometimes differ more widely from ourselves than we do from others.

Politeness of the mind is to have delicate thoughts

Those great and glorious actions that dazzle our eyes with their luster are represented by statesmen as the result of great wisdomand excellent design; whereas, in truth, they are commonly the effects of the humors and passions.