All that causes one man to differ from another is a very slight thing. What is it that is the origin of beauty or ugliness, health or weakness, ability or stupidity? A slight difference in the organs, a little more or a little less bile. Yet this more or less is of infinite importance to men; and when they think otherwise they are mistaken.

It is of no use to possess a lively wit if it is not of the right proportion: the perfection of a clock is not to go fast, but to be accurate.

It is difficult to esteem a man as highly as he would wish.

Nothing but courage can guide life.

None are more liable to mistakes than those who act only on second thoughts.

Few people are modest enough to be estimated at their true worth.

Whatever affection we have for our friends or relations, the happiness of others never suffices for our own.