Despair exaggerates not only our misery but also our weakness.

Reason and emotion counsel and supplement each other. Whoever heeds only the one, and puts aside the other, recklessly deprives himself of a portion of the aid granted us for the regulation of our conduct.

Some are born to invent, others to embellish; but the gilder attracts more attention than the architect.

When an idea is not robust enough to stand expression in simple terms, it is a sign that it should be rejected.

It is not in everyone's power to secure wealth, office, or honors; but everyone may be good, generous, and wise.

One promises much, to avoid giving little.

Our failings sometimes bind us to one another as closely as could virtue itself.