Our enemies' opinion of us comes closer to the truth than our own.

We frequently are troublesome to others, when we think it impossible for us ever to be so.

Intrepidity is an extraordinary strength of soul, which raises it above the troubles, disorders and emotions which the sight of great perils can arouse in it; by this strength heroes maintain a calm aspect and preserve their reason and liberty in the most surprising and terrible accidents.

We rarely ever perceive others as being sensible, except for those who agree with us.

Truth is the foundation and the reason of the perfection of beauty, for of whatever stature a thing may be, it cannot be beautiful-and perfect, unless it be truly what it should be, and possess truly all that it should have.

We are much mistaken if we think that men are always brave from a principle of valor, or women chaste from a principle of modesty.

Perfect courage and utter cowardice are two extremes which rarely occur.