What seems to be generosity is often no more than disguised ambition, which overlooks a small interest in order to secure a great one.

Some people resemble ballads which are only sung for a certain time.

The surest proof of being endowed with noble qualities is to be free from envy.

Nothing is impossible; there are ways that lead to everything, and if we had sufficient will we should always have sufficient means. It is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible.

Spiritual health is no more stable than bodily; and though we may seem unaffected by the passions we are just as liable to be carried away by them as to fall ill when in good health.

Moderation is a fear of falling into that envy and contempt which those who grow giddy with their good fortune quite justly draw upon themselves. It is a vain boasting of the greatness of our mind.

We should scarcely desire things ardently if we were perfectly acquainted with what we desire.