Philosophy finds it an easy matter to vanquish past and future evils, but the present are commonly too hard for it.

There are fine things that are more brilliant when they are unfinished than when finished too much.

Humility is often a false front we employ to gain power over others.

A man's wits are better employed in bearing up under the misfortunes that lie upon him at present than in foreseeing those that may come upon him hereafter.

There are people who in spite of their merit disgust us and others who please us in spite of their faults.

The reason we do not let our friends see the very bottom of our hearts is not so much distrust of them as distrust of ourselves.

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.