Emotions are raised in us, not only by the qualities and actions of others, but also by their feelings. I cannot behold a man in distress, without partaking of his pain; nor in joy, without partaking of his pleasure.

As nice as we are in love, we forgive more faults in that than in friendship.

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.

If you should escape the censure of others, hope not to escape your own.

No man ever did a designed injury to another, but at the same time he did a greater to himself.

Great wants proceed from great wealth; but they are undutiful children, for they sink wealth down to poverty.

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.