Clemency, which we make a virtue of, proceeds sometimes from vanity, sometimes from indolence, often from fear, and almost always from a mixture of all three.

Our actions are like the terminations of verses, which we rhyme as we please.

Women's virtue is frequently nothing but a regard to their own quiet and a tenderness for their reputation.

The most effectual way to be deceived is to believe oneself more cunning than one's neighbors.

The exceeding delight we take in talking about ourselves should give us cause to fear that we are giving but very little pleasureto our listeners.

We can be more clever than one, but not more clever than all.

It is praiseworthy even to attempt a great action.