The fondness or indifference that the philosophers expressed for life was merely a preference inspired by their self-love, and will no more bear reasoning upon than the relish of the palate or the choice of colors.

Our repentances are generally not so much a concern and remorse for the harm we have done, as a fear of the harm we may have brought upon ourselves.

The judgments our enemies make about us come nearer to the truth than those we make about ourselves.

One honor won is a surety for more.

If we had no faults, we would not derive so much pleasure from noting those of other people.

A man would rather say evil of himself than say nothing.

To praise princes for virtues they do not possess is to insult them without fear of consequences.