As we grow older, we increase in folly--and in wisdom.

To be a great man it is necessary to know how to profit by the whole of our good fortune.

The hate of favourites is only a love of favour. The envy of NOT possessing it, consoles and softens its regrets by the contempt it evinces for those who possess it, and we refuse them our homage, not being able to detract from them what attracts that of the rest of the world.

As we grow older we grow both more foolish and wiser at the same time.

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.

It is praiseworthy even to attempt a great action.

The strongest symptom of wisdom in man is his being sensible of his own follies.