The confidence in another man's virtue is no light evidence of a man's own, and God willingly favors such a confidence.

I must accommodate my history to the hour: I may presently change, not only by fortune, but also by intention.

The lack of wealth is easily repaired but the poverty of the soul is irreplaceable.

If I were of the trade, I should naturalize art as much as they "artialize" nature.

The perpetual work of your life is but to lay the foundation of death.

If you want it to be so, history can be a waste of time; it can also be, if you want it to be so, a study bearing fruit beyond price.

I quote others only in order the better to express myself.