What we call generosity is for the most part only the vanity of giving; and we exercise it because we are more fond of that vanity than of the thing we give.

We should only affect compassion, and carefully avoid having any.

That man, we may be sure, is a person of true worth, whom those who envy him most are yet forced to praise.

Nothing is impossible; there are ways that lead to everything, and if we had sufficient will we should always have sufficient means. It is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible.

It is not always for virtue's sake that women are virtuous.

The greatest part of intimate confidences proceed from a desire either to be pitied or admired.

We can never be certain of our courage until we have faced danger.