Our virtues are often, in reality, no better than vices disguised.

Perfect courage is to do without witnesses what one would be capable of doing with the world looking on.

As the great ones of this world are unable to bestow health of body or peace of mind, we always pay too high a price for any good they can do.

Opportunity makes us known to others, but more to ourselves.

Nothing is so contagious as example; never was there any considerable good or ill done that does not produce its like. We imitate good actions through emulation, and had ones through a malignity in our nature, which shame conceals, and example sets at liberty.

The gratitude of most men is but a secret desire of receiving greater benefits.

It is not enough that we should succeed, but our friends must fail as well.