Glory consists of two parts: the one in setting too great a value upon ourselves, and the other in setting too little a value upon others.

We are never present with, but always beyond ourselves; fear, desire, hope, still push us on toward the future.

A good marriage (if any there be) refuses the conditions of love and endeavors to present those of amity.

I love a friendship that flatters itself in the sharpness and vigor of its communications.

I put forward formless and unresolved notions, as do those who publish doubtful questions to debate in the schools, not to establish the truth but to seek it.

The only good histories are those written by those who had command in the events they describe.

Ambition is, of all other, the most contrary humor to solitude; and glory and repose are so inconsistent that they cannot possibly inhabit one and the same place; and for so much as I understand, those have only their arms and legs disengaged from the crowd, their mind and intention remain engaged behind more than ever.