We should desire very few things passionately if we did but perfectly know the nature of the things we desire.

All men are equally proud. The only difference is that not all take the same methods of showing it.

In every walk of life each man puts on a personality and outward appearance so as to look what he wants to be thought; in fact you might say that society is entirely made up of assumed personalities.

If we are incapable of finding peace in ourselves, it is pointless to search elsewhere.

Pride, which inspires us with so much envy, is sometimes of use toward the moderating of it too.

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.

No man deserves to be praised for his goodness, who has it not in his power to be wicked. Goodness without that power is generally nothing more than sloth, or an impotence of will.