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

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.

Everyone blames his memory, no one blames his judgment.

There are but very few men clever enough to know all the mischief they do.

We are so used to dissembling with others that in time we come to deceive and dissemble with ourselves.

Some crimes get honor and renown by being committed with more pomp, by a greater number, and in a higher degree of wickedness thanothers. Hence it is that public robberies, plunderings, and sackings have been looked upon as excellencies and noble achievements, and the seizing of whole countries, however unjustly and barbarously, is dignified with the glorious name of gaining conquests.

We acknowledge our faults in order to repair by our sincerity the damage they have done us in the eyes of others.