The intention of cheating no one lays us open to being cheated ourselves.

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.

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

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.

Gratitude is a lively sense of benefits to come.

Our wisdom is no less at fortune's mercy than our wealth.

Old age is a tyrant, who forbids, under pain of death, the pleasures of youth.