Humility is often only the putting on of a submissiveness by which men hope to bring other people to submit to them; it is a morecalculated sort of pride, which debases itself with a design of being exalted; and though this vice transform itself into a thousand several shapes, yet the disguise is never more effectual nor more capable of deceiving the world than when concealed under a form of humility.

Time's chariot-wheels make their carriage-road in the fairest face.

To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.

Great names abase, instead of elevating, those who do not know how to bear them.

Silence is the best security to the man who distrusts himself.

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

If we never flattered ourselves we should have but scant pleasure.