Cunning is none of the best nor worst qualities; it floats between virtue and vice; there is scarce any exigence where it may not, and perhaps ought not to be supplied by prudence.

Such a great misfortune, not to be able to be alone.

Amongst such as out of cunning hear all and talk little, be sure to talk less; or if you must talk, say little.

Duty is what goes most against the grain, because in doing that we do only what we are strictly obliged to, and are seldom much praised for it.

A man can keep another's secret better than his own. A woman her own better than others.

To what excesses do men rush for the sake of religion, of whose truth they are so little persuaded, and to whose precepts they pay so little regard!

There are certain people who so ardently and passionately desire a thing, that from dread of losing it they leave nothing undone to make them lose it.