Pity and friendship are two passions incompatible with each other.

We seldom speak of the virtue which we have, but much oftener of that which we lack.

Where wealth accumulates, men decay.

All that philosophy can teach is to be stubborn or sullen under misfortunes.

Truth from his lips prevailed with double sway, and fools, who came to scoff, remained to pray.

Popular glory is a perfect coquette; her lovers must toil, feel every inquietude, indulge every caprice, and perhaps at last be jilted into the bargain. True glory, on the other hand, resembles a woman of sense; her admirers must play no tricks. They feel no great anxiety, for they are sure in the end of being rewarded in proportion to their merit.

There is nothing magnanimous in bearing misfortunes with fortitude, when the whole world is looking on.... He who, without friends to encourage or even without hope to alleviate his misfortunes, can behave with tranquility and indifference, is truly great.