Everyone is born sincere and dies deceivers.

The favorites of fortune or of fame topple from their pedestals before our eyes without diverting us from ambition.

It is unjust to exact that men shall do out of deference to our advice what they have no desire to do for themselves.

We are less hurt by the contempt of fools than by the lukewarm approval of men of intelligence.

We can console ourselves for not having great talents as we console ourselves for not having great places. We can be above both in our hearts.

Lazy people always intend to start doing something.

To execute great things, one should live as though one would never die.