It is a mistake to imagine, that the violent passions only, such as ambition and love, can triumph over the rest. Idleness, languid as it is, often masters them all; she influences all our designs and actions, and insensibly consumes and destroys both passions and virtues.

We easily forgive our friends those faults that do no affect us ourselves.

If we did not have pride, we would not complain of it in others.

One should treat one's fate as one does one's health; enjoy it when it is good, be patient with it when it is poor, and never attempt any drastic cure save as an ultimate resort.

If one acts rightly and honestly, it is difficult to decide whether it is the effect of integrity or skill.

None deserve praise for being good who have not the spirit to be bad: goodness, for the most part, is nothing but indolence or weakness of will.

Novelty is to love like bloom to fruit; it gives a luster which is easily effaced, but never returns.