Dignity, high station, or great riches, are in some sort necessary to old men, in order to keep the younger at a distance, who are otherwise too apt to insult them upon the score of their age.

It often happens that, if a lie be believed only for an hour, it has done its work, and there is no further occasion for it.

Conscience signifies that knowledge which a man hath of his own thoughts and actions; and because, if a man judgeth fairly of his actions by comparing them with the law of God, his mind will approve or condemn him; this knowledge or conscience may be both an accuser and a judge.

Neither is it safe to count upon the weakness of any man's understanding, who is thoroughly possessed of the spirit of revenge to sharpen his invention.

When a man of genius appears in the world, it is immediately recognized by the fact that all the blockheads join forces against him.

Nothing is so hard for those who abound in riches as to conceive how others can be in want.

Men always grow vicious before they become unbelievers.