Nothing is so contagious as example; never was there any considerable good or ill done that does not produce its like. We imitate good actions through emulation, and had ones through a malignity in our nature, which shame conceals, and example sets at liberty.

The intention of never deceiving often exposes us to deception.

It's the height of folly to want to be the only wise one.

What we take for high-mindedness is very often no other than ambition well disguised, that scorns means interests, only to pursuegreater.

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

What we take for virtue is often nothing but an assemblage of different actions, and of different interests, that fortune or our industry knows how to arrange.

Those who are themselves incapable of great crimes are ever backward to suspect others.