Very few people are acquainted with death. They undergo it, commonly, not so much out of resolution as custom and insensitivity; and most men die because they cannot help it.

Good advice is something a man gives when he is too old to set a bad example.

The judgments our enemies make about us come nearer to the truth than those we make about ourselves.

Few are sufficiently wise to prefer censure which is useful to praise which is treacherous.

Nothing prevents one from appearing natural as the desire to appear natural.

Everyone agrees that a secret should be kept intact, but everyone does not agree as to the nature and importance of secrecy. Too often we consult ourselves as to what we should say, what we should leave unsaid. There are few permanent secrets, and the scruple against revealing them will not last forever.

We like to read others but we do not like to be read.