We frequently do good in order to enable us to do evil later with impunity exemption of punishment.

Weakness of character is the only defect which cannot be amended.

It is great folly to wish to be wise all alone.

Customary use of artifice is the sign of a small mind, and it almost always happens that he who uses it to cover one spot uncovers himself in another.

Too great cleverness is but deceptive delicacy, true delicacy is the most substantial cleverness.

Our desires always disappoint us; for though we meet with something that gives us satisfaction, yet it never thoroughly answers our expectation. [However disappointment can always be removed if we remember it could have turned out worse.]

The good or the bad fortune of men depends not less upon their own dispositions than upon fortune.