The same common sense which makes an author write good things, makes him dread they are not good enough to deserve reading.

It is motive alone that gives real value to the actions of men, and disinterestedness puts the cap to it.

A simple garb is the proper costume of the vulgar; it is cut for them, and exactly suits their measure, but it is an ornament for those who have filled up their lives with great deeds. I liken them to beauty in dishabille, but more bewitching on that account.

We seldom repent talking little, but very often talking too much.

If some persons died, and others did not die, death would be a terrible affliction.

From time to time there appear on the face of the earth men of rare and consummate excellence, who dazzle us by their virtue, and whose outstanding qualities shed a stupendous light. Like those extraordinary stars of whose origins we are ignorant, and of whose fate, once they have vanished, we know even less, such men have neither forebears nor descendants: they are the whole of their race.

A modest man never talks of himself.