A little praise is good for a shy temper; it teaches it to rely on the kindness of others.

Do not expect to be acknowledged for what you are, much less for what you would be; since no one can well measure a great man but upon the bier.

Friendships are the purer and the more ardent, the nearer they come to the presence of God, the Sun not only of righteousness but of love.

Great men lose somewhat of their greatness by being near us; ordinary men gain much.

Those who in living fill the smallest space, In death have often left the greatest void.

I never did a single wise thing in the whole course of my existence, although I have written many which have been thought so.

Men universally are ungrateful towards him who instructs them, unless, in the hours or in the intervals of instruction, he presents a sweet-cake to their self-love.