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.

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.

The most mistrustful are often the greatest dupes.

A man who doesn't trust himself can never really trust anyone else.

A man who never trusts himself never trusts anyone.

It's easier to fight one's enemies than to get on with one's friends.

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.