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

Often we are firm from weakness, and audacious from timidity.

The contempt of riches in philosophers was only a hidden desire to avenge their merit upon the injustice of fortune, by despising the very goods of which fortune had deprived them; it was a secret to guard themselves against the degradation of poverty, it was a back way by which to arrive at that distinction which they could not gain by riches.

Numberless arts appear foolish whose secret motives are most wise and weighty.

Criticism sometimes is really praise, and praise sometimes slander.

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

Our temper sets a price upon every gift that we receive from fortune.