The only thing that should astonish us is that anything can yet astonish us.

The caprice of our temper is even more whimsical than that of Fortune.

Moderation is a fear of falling into that envy and contempt which those who grow giddy with their good fortune quite justly draw upon themselves. It is a vain boasting of the greatness of our mind.

It is as proper to have pride in oneself as it ridiculous to show it to others.

As it is the characteristic of great wits to say much in few words, so small wits seem to have the gift of speaking much and saying nothing.

There is at least as much eloquence in the voice, eyes, and air of a speaker as in his choice of words.

Our good qualities expose us more to hatred and persecution than all the ill we do.