Men's happiness and misery depends altogether as much upon their own humor as it does upon fortune.

A great many men's gratitude is nothing but a secret desire to hook in more valuable kindnesses hereafter.

The most brilliant fortunes are often not worth the littleness required to gain them.

Tricks and treachery are merely proofs of lack of skill.

The height of cleverness is to be able to conceal it.

When fortune surprises us by giving us some great office without having gradually led us to expect it, or without having raised our hopes, it is well nigh impossible to occupy it well, and to appear worthy to fill it.

Το know how to profit by good advice, requires nearly as much ability as to know how to act for one'self.