Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and respect of self, in turn, is the chief element in courage.

Abstinence from all injustice to other first-rate powers is a greater tower of strength than anything that can be gained by the sacrifice of permanent tranquillity for an apparent temporary advantage.

Mankind are tolerant of the praises of others as long as each hearer thinks that he can do as well or nearly as well himself, but, when the speaker rises above him, jealousy is aroused and he begins to be incredulous.

Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.

In generosity we are equally singular, acquiring our friends by conferring, not by receiving, favours.

It is the habit of mankind to entrust to careless hope what they long for, and to use sovereign reason to thrust aside what they do not desire

An avowal of poverty is no disgrace to any man; to make no effort to escape it is indeed disgraceful.