There are people so blind and self-absorbed in all matters that they always believe that, whatever they desire or think, they can impose their will on other people. Whatever bad reason they use to persuade others, these self-centered people are so caught up in the process that it seems to them all they have to do is to speak their wishes in a lofty and commanding tone of voice in order to convince everybody.

When people reproach us, they only increase their own failings even as they are disclaiming them.

To be too dissatisfied with ourselves is a weakness. To be too satisfied with ourselves is a stupidity.

Virtue is not always where it seems to be. People sometimes acknowledge favors only to maintain their reputations, and to make themselves more impudently ungrateful for favors that they do not wish to acknowledge.

It is base to take advantage of our rank or greatness by making fun of those placed beneath us in life.

Mean-spirited mediocrities, especially those with a smattering of learning, are the most likely to be opinionated. Only strong minds know how to correct their opinions and abandon a bad position.

It is a singular characteristic of love that we cannot hide it where it exists, or pretend it where it does not exist.