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.

Vices are ingredients of virtues just as poisons are ingredients of remedies. Prudence mixes and tempers them and uses them effectively against life's ills.

What keeps us from abandoning ourselves entirely to one vice, often, is the fact that we have several.

The best way to rise in society is to use all possible means of persuading people that one has already risen in society.

It is as easy to unknowingly deceive yourself as it is to deceive others.

Self-love is more cunning than the most cunning man in the world.

If we had no faults, we would not derive so much pleasure from noting those of other people.