Self-interest makes some people blind, and others sharp-sighted.

A man would rather say evil of himself than say nothing.

The qualities we have, make us so ridiculous as those which we affect.

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.

We label judges with having the meanest motives, and yet we desire that our reputation and fame should depend upon the judgment of men, who are all, either from their jealousy or preoccupation or want of intelligence, opposed to us - and yet despite their bias, just for the sake of making these men decide in our favor, we peril in so many ways both our peace and our life.

We easily forgive our friends those faults that do no affect us ourselves.

Minds of moderate caliber ordinarily condemn everthing which is beyond their range.