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

Moderation is represented as a virtue in order to restrain the ambition of great men, and to console those of a meaner condition in their lesser merit and fortune.

When our vices leave us, we like to imagine it is we who are leaving them.

The only good copies are those which make us see the absurdity of bad originals.

All who know their own minds know not their own hearts.

There are no events so disastrous that adroit men do not draw some advantage from them, nor any so fortunate that the imprudent cannot turn to their own prejudice.

We may give advice, but not the sense to use it.