It is as common for tastes to change as it is uncommon for traits of character.

The passions are the only orators which always persuade.

Weakness is the only fault that is incorrigible.

Confidence always pleases those who receive it. It is a tribute we pay to their merit, a deposit we commit to their trust, a pledge that gives them a claim upon us, a kind of dependence to which we voluntarily submit.

Everyone complains of his memory, and nobody complains of his judgment.

A wise man should order his interests, and set them all in their proper places. This order is often troubled by greed, which putsus upon pursuing so many things at once that, in eagerness for matters of less consideration, we grasp at trifles, and let go things of greater value.

We often credit ourselves with vices the reverse of what we have, thus when weak we boast of our obstinacy.