What makes us so often discontented with those who transact business for us is that they almost always abandon the interest of their friends for the interest of the business, because they wish to have the honor of succeeding in that which they have undertaken.

Those who most obstinately oppose the most widely-held opinions more often do so because of pride than lack of intelligence. They find the best places in the right set already taken, and they do not want back seats.

Some reproaches praise; some praises reproach.

A man often believes himself leader when he is led; as his mind endeavors to reach one goal, his heart insensibly drags him towards another.

Philosophy triumphs easily over past evils and future evils, but present evils triumph over it.

Cunning and treachery are the offspring of incapacity.

Often we are firm from weakness, and audacious from timidity.