Wisdom is corrupted by ambition, even when the quality of the ambition is intellectual. For ambition, even of this quality, is but a form of self-love.

Shy and proud men are more liable than any others to fall into the hands of parasites and creatures of low character. For in the intimacies which are formed by shy men, they do not choose, but are chosen.

Of all the uses of adversity which are sweet, none are sweeter than those which grow out of disappointed love.

Shy and unready men are great betrayers of secrets, for there are few wants more urgent for the moment than the want of something to say.

Prodigality is indeed the vice of a weak nature, as avarice is of a strong one; it comes of a weak craving for those blandishments of the world which are easily to be had for money, and which, when obtained, are as much worse than worthless as a harlot's love is worse than none.

No siren did ever so charm the ear of the listener as the listening ear has charmed the soul of the siren.

When you give, therefore, take to yourself no credit for generosity, unless you deny yourself something in order that you may give.