Whatever discoveries we may have made in the regions of self-love, there still remain many unknown lands.

Sometimes we think we dislike flattery, but it is only the way it is done that we dislike.

We exaggerate the glory of some men in order to detract from that of others.

The measure of great men should always be measured by the means they have used to acquire it.

When great men permit themselves to be cast down by the continuance of misfortune, they show us that they were only sustained by ambition, and not by their mind; so that PLUS a great vanity, heroes are made like other men.

The vices enter into the composition of the virtues, as poisons into that of medicines. Prudence collects and arranges them, and uses them beneficially against the ills of life.

The sure mark of one born with noble qualities is being born without envy.