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

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

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

Honest and sincere acts mislead the wicked and cause them to lose their path to their own goals, because mean-spirited people usually believe that people never act without deceit.

We learn as much by others' failings as by their teachings. Examples of imperfection is just as useful for achieving perfection as are models of competence and perfection.

We must accustom ourselves to the follies of others and not be astonished at the foolishness that takes place in our presence.

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.