We so love all new and unusual things that we even derive a secret pleasure from the saddest and most tragic events, both because of their novelty and because of the natural malignity that exists within us.

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

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

Good results are sometimes owing to a failure of judgment, because the faculty of judgment often hinders us from undertaking many things which would succeed if carried through without thinking.

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.

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

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.