Jealousy is in a manner just and reasonable, as it tends to preserve a good which belongs, or which we believe belongs to us, on the other hand envy is a fury which cannot endure the happiness of others.

Moderation is the feebleness and sloth of the soul, whereas ambition is the warmth and activity of it.

Perseverance is neither praiseworthy nor blameworthy; for it seems to be only the enduring of certain inclinations and opinions which men neither give themselves nor take away from themselves.

Friendship is a traffic wherein self-love always proposes to be the gainer.

A refusal of praise is a desire to be praised twice.

He is not to pass for a man of reason who stumbles upon reason by chance but he who knows it and can judge it and has a true taste for it.

The judgments our enemies make about us come nearer to the truth than those we make about ourselves.