It is with certain good qualities as with the senses; those who have them not can neither appreciate nor comprehend them in others.

We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves.

We are very far from always knowing our own wishes.

A readiness to believe ill of others, before we have duly examined it, is the effect of laziness and pride. We are eager to find aculprit, and loath to give ourselves the trouble of examining the crime.

Vices are ingredients of virtues just as poisons are ingredients of remedies. Prudence mixes and tempers them and uses them effectively against life's ills.

Only strong natures can really be sweet ones; those that seem sweet are in general only weak, and may easily turn sour.

Solemnity is a device of the body to hide the faults of the mind.