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

Even dress is apt to inflame a man's opinion of himself.

Such is the power of imagination, that even a chimerical pleasure in expectation affects us more than a solid pleasure in possession.

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

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

The truly generous is the truly wise, and he who loves not others lives unblest!

Nothing so uncertain as general reputation. A man injures me from humor, passion, or interest; hates me because he has injured me; and speaks ill of me because he hates me.