Nothing is more ridiculous in old people that were once good-looking, than to forget that they are not so still.

We easily forget our faults when no one knows them but ourselves.

Nothing is rarer than true good nature; they who are reputed to have it are generally only pliant or weak.

Love of fame, fear of disgrace, schemes for advancement, desire to make life comfortable and pleasant, and the urge to humiliate others are often at the root of the valour men hold in such high esteem.

In the human heart new passions are forever being born; the overthrow of one almost always means the rise of another.

It takes more strength of character to withstand good fortune than bad.

Humility is often only feigned submission which people use to render others submissive. It is a subterfuge of pride which lowers itself in order to rise.