Affected simplicity is a subtle imposture.

Without humility, we keep all our defects; and they are only crusted over by pride, which conceals them from others, and often from ourselves.

Man only blames himself in order that he may be praised.

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

The applause we give those who are new to society often proceeds from a secret envying of those already established.

We often select envenomed praise which, by a reaction upon those we praise, shows faults we could not have shown by other means.

There are no events so disastrous that adroit men do not draw some advantage from them, nor any so fortunate that the imprudent cannot turn to their own prejudice.