We are better pleased to see those on whom we confer benefits than those from whom we receive them.

We should often feel ashamed of our best actions if the world could see all the motives which produced them.

Praise is a more ingenious, concealed, and subtle kind of flattery, that satisfies both the giver and the receiver, though by verydifferent ways. The one accepts it as a reward due to his merit; the other gives it that he may be looked upon as a just and discerning person.

We have more ability than will power, and it is often an excuse to ourselves that we imagine that things are impossible.

The prospect of being pleased tomorrow will never console me for the boredom of today.

Men more easily renounce their interests than their tastes.

We seldom praise anyone in good earnest, except such as admire us.