They that apply themselves to trifling matters commonly become incapable of great ones.
To know oneself is not necessarily to improve oneself
We own up to minor failings, but only so as to convince others that we have no major ones.
It is easier to know men in general, than men in particular.
If we never flattered ourselves we should have but scant pleasure.
One man may be more cunning than another, but no one can be more cunning than all the world.