Ridicule, which chiefly arises from pride, a selfish passion, is but at best a gross pleasure, too rough an entertainment for those who are highly polished and refined.

When you descant on the faults of others, consider whether you be not guilty of the same. To gain knowledge of ourselves, the best way is to convert the imperfections of others into a mirror for discovering our own.

We part more easily with what we possess, than with our expectations of what we wish for; because expectation always goes beyond enjoyment.

Whoever appears to have much cunning has in reality very little; being deficient in the essential article, which is, to hide cunning.

Luxury possibly may contribute to give bread to the poor; but if there were no luxury, there would be no poor.

Men are guided less by conscience than by glory; and yet the shortest way to glory is to be guided by conscience.

Seldom do we talk of ourselves with success. If I condemn myself, more is believed than is expressed; if I praise myself, much less.