Those whom the world has delighted to honor have oftener been influenced in their doings by ambition and vanity than by patriotism.

It is easier to deceive yourself, and to do so unperceived, than to deceive another.

The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.

There are crimes which become innocent and even glorious through their splendor, number and excess.

Pity is often a reflection of our own evils in the ills of others. It is a delicate foresight of the troubles into which we may fall.

Extreme boredom provides its own antidote.

Old people love to give good advice; it compensates them for their inability to set a bad example.