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.

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

The most sure method of subjecting yourself to be deceived is to consider yourself more cunning than others.

We exaggerate the glory of some men in order to detract from that of others.

The principal point of cleverness is to know how to value things just as they deserve.

When fortune surprises us by giving us some great office without having gradually led us to expect it, or without having raised our hopes, it is well nigh impossible to occupy it well, and to appear worthy to fill it.

Things often offer themselves to our mind in a more finished form in the very first thought, than we might have made them by muchart and study.