To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.

To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.

We only confess our little faults to persuade people that we have no big ones.

Raillery is more insupportable than wrong; because we have a right to resent injuries, but are ridiculous in being angry at a jest.

The evil that we do does not attract to us so much persecution and hatred as our good qualities.

The surest proof of being endowed with noble qualities is to be free from envy.

We do not wish ardently for what we desire only through reason.