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

Old men delight in giving good advice as a consolation for the fact that they can no longer set bad examples.

Though men are apt to flatter and exalt themselves with their great achievements, yet these are, in truth, very often owing not so much to design as chance.

All men are equally proud. The only difference is that not all take the same methods of showing it.

People are often vain of their passions, even of the worst, but envy is a passion so timid and shame-faced that no one ever dare avow her.

The most brilliant fortunes are often not worth the littleness required to gain them.

True bravery is shown by performing without witness what one might be capable of doing before all the world.