We need not regard what good a friend has done us, but only his desire to do us good.

This imperiousness which aids us in all things is merely a fitting authority which comes from superior spirit.

Although we should not love our friends for the good that they do us, it is a sign that they do not love us much if they do not do us good when they have the power to do so.

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

It is vain and useless to survey everything that goes on in the world if our study does not help us mend our ways.

We think highly of men when we do not know the extent of their capabilities, for we always suppose that more exists when we only see half.

The loftiness of understanding embraces all. It requires as much spirit to suffer the failings of others as it does to appreciate their good qualities.