The world more often rewards the appearances of merit than merit itself.

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

To think to be wise alone is a very great folly.

A man often thinks he rules himself, when all the while he is ruled and managed; and while his understanding directs one design, his affections imperceptibly draw him into another.

The reason why lovers are never bored together is that they are always talking of themselves.

It is most difficult to speak when we are ashamed of being silent.

Few things are needful to make the wise man happy, but nothing satisfies the fool; - and this is the reason why so many of mankind are miserable.