Perfect courage is to do without witnesses what one would be capable of doing with the world looking on.

True eloquence consists in saying all that should be said, and that only.

We exaggerate the glory of some men in order to detract from that of others.

Our wisdom is no less at fortune's mercy than our wealth.

Great men's honor ought always to be measured by the methods they made use of in attaining it.

We are easily comforted for the misfortunes of our friends, when those misfortunes give us an occasion of expressing our affection and solicitude.

Those great and glorious actions that dazzle our eyes with their luster are represented by statesmen as the result of great wisdomand excellent design; whereas, in truth, they are commonly the effects of the humors and passions.