Generally speaking, we would make a good bargain by renouncing all the good that people say of us, upon condition they would say no ill.

We are inconsolable at being deceived by our enemies and being betrayed by our friends, yet we are often content in be being treated like that by our own selves.

We may say of agreeableness, as distinct from beauty, that it consists in a symmetry of which we know not the rules, and a secret conformity of the features to each other, as also to the air and complexion of the person.

Fortune makes our virtues and vices visible, just as light does the objects of sight.

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

What we cut off from our other faults is very often but so much added to our pride.

We are very far from always knowing our own wishes.