In the misfortunes of our best friends we always find something not altogether displeasing to us.

The generality of men have, like plants, latent properties, which chance brings to light.

A man of understanding finds less difficulty in submitting to a wrong-headed fellow, than in attempting to set him right.

What often prevents our abandoning ourselves to a single vice is, our having more than one.

It is oftener by the estimation of our own feelings that we exaggerate the good qualities of others than by their merit, and when we praise them we wish to attract their praise.

Prudence and love are inconsistent; in proportion as the last increases, the other decreases.

We may seem great in an employment below our worth, but we very often look little in one that is too big for us.