Decency is the least of all laws, but yet it is the law which is most strictly observed.

What makes vanity so insufferable to us, is that it hurts our own.

It is much better to learn to deal with the ills we have now than to speculate on those that may befall us.

It takes more strength of character to withstand good fortune than bad.

It is only persons of firmness that can have real gentleness. Those who appear gentle are, in general, only a weak character, which easily changes into asperity.

We do not wish ardently for what we desire only through reason.

It is sometimes a point of as much cleverness to know to make good use of advice from others as to be able give good advice to oneself.