We can recognize the dawn and the decline of love by the uneasiness we feel when alone together.

When we are dead we are praised by those who survive us, though we frequently have no other merit than that of being no longer alive.

Genius and great abilities are often wanting; sometimes, only opportunities. Some deserve praise for what they have done; others for what they would have done.

A man reveals his character even in the simplest things he does.

Even the best intentioned of great men need a few scoundrels around them; there are some things you cannot ask an honest ma to do.

Extremes are vicious, and proceed from men; compensation is just, and proceeds from God.

Discretion is the perfection of reason, and a guide to us in all the duties of life; cunning is a kind of instinct, that only looks out after our immediate interests and welfare. Discretion is only found in men of strong sense and good understanding; cunning is often to be met with in brutes themselves, and in persons who are but the fewest removes from them.