We always get bored with those whom we bore.

We would frequently be ashamed of our good deeds if people saw all of the motives that produced them.

High fortune makes both our virtues and vices stand out as objects that are brought clearly to view by the light.

Men frequently do good only to give themselves opportunity of doing ill with impunity.

Our virtues are often, in reality, no better than vices disguised.

One is never as happy or as unhappy as one thinks.

It is given to few persons to keep this secret well. Those who lay down rules too often break them, and the safest we are able to give is to listen much, to speak little, and to say nothing that that will ever give ground or regret.