One of man's greatest failings is that he looks almost always for an excuse, in the misfortune that befalls him through his own fault, before looking for a remedy-which means he often finds the remedy too late.

The most mistrustful are often the greatest dupes.

When you are obliged to make a statement that you know will cause displeasure, you must say it with every appearance of sincerity; this is the only way to make it palatable.

Timorous minds are much more inclined to deliberate than to resolve.

In a major matter no details are small.

Nothing sways the stupid more than arguments they can't understand.

She knew how to trust people... a rare quality, revealing a character far above average.