Affectation is as necessary to the mind as dress is to the body.

There is some virtue in almost every vice, except hypocrisy; and even that, while it is a mockery of virtue, is at the same time a compliment to it.

A thought must tell at once, or not at all.

The garb of religion is the best cloak for power.

There is no one thoroughly despicable. We cannot descend much lower than an idiot; and an idiot has some advantages over a wise man.

Mankind are a herd of knaves and fools. It is necessary to join the crowd, or get out of their way, in order not to be trampled to death by them.

Cowardice is not synonymous with prudence. It often happens that the better part of discretion is valor.