It's motive alone which gives character to the actions of men.

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.

Making a book is a craft, like making a clock; it needs more than native wit to be an author.

Envy and hatred go together. Mutually strengthened by the fact pursue the same object.

Men fall from great fortune because of the same shortcomings that led to their rise.

Two persons cannot long be friends if they cannot forgive each other's little failings.

False modesty is the masterpiece of vanity: showing the vain man in such an illusory light that he appears in the reputation of the virtue quite opposite to the vice which constitutes his real character; it is a deceit.