Everyone agrees that a secret should be kept intact, but everyone does not agree as to the nature and importance of secrecy. Too often we consult ourselves as to what we should say, what we should leave unsaid. There are few permanent secrets, and the scruple against revealing them will not last forever.

Everyone praises his heart, none dare praise their understanding.

Some people are so extremely whiffling and inconsiderable that they are as far from any real faults as from substantial virtues.

A clever man reaps some benefit from the worst catastrophe, and a fool can turn even good luck to his disadvantage.

Our actions are like the terminations of verses, which we rhyme as we please.

It is great folly to wish to be wise all alone.

There is no disguise which can hide love for long where it exists, or simulate it where it does not.