No man deserves to be praised for his goodness, who has it not in his power to be wicked. Goodness without that power is generally nothing more than sloth, or an impotence of will.

The good or the bad fortune of men depends not less upon their own dispositions than upon fortune.

Some people displease with merit, and others' very faults and defects are pleasing.

To think to be wise alone is a very great folly.

No man is clever enough to know all the evil he does.

There are a great many simpletons who know themselves to be so, and who make a very cunning use of their own simplicity.

As the great ones of this world are unable to bestow health of body or peace of mind, we always pay too high a price for any good they can do.