Second-rate minds usually condemn everything beyond their grasp.

The vices enter into the composition of the virtues, as poisons into that of medicines. Prudence collects and arranges them, and uses them beneficially against the ills of life.

If we never flattered ourselves we should have but scant pleasure.

If there be a love pure and free from the admixture of our other passions, it is that which lies hidden in the bottom of our heart, and which we know not ourselves.

Humility is the sure evidence of Christian virtues. Without it, we retain all our faults still, and they are only covered over with pride, which hides them from other men's observation, and sometimes from our own too.

Our self-love can less bear to have our tastes than our opinions condemned.

We forget our faults easily when they are known to ourselves alone.