Our virtues are often, in reality, no better than vices disguised.
The duration of our passions is no more dependent on ourselves than the duration of our lives.
It is easier to understand mankind in general than any individual man.
Hypocrisy is an homage that vice renders to virtue.
A readiness to believe ill of others, before we have duly examined it, is the effect of laziness and pride. We are eager to find aculprit, and loath to give ourselves the trouble of examining the crime.
Gratitude is merely the secret hope of further favors.