By despising all that has preceded us, we teach others to despise ourselves.

The look of a gentleman is little else than the reflection of the looks of the world.

To give a reason for anything is to breed a doubt of it.

The confession of our failings is a thankless office. It savors less of sincerity or modesty than of ostentation. It seems as if we thought our weaknesses as good as other people's virtues.

It is a false principle that because we are entirely occupied with ourselves, we must equally occupy the thoughts of others. The contrary inference is the fair one.

Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind; privation trains and strengthens it.

Those who are at war with others are not at peace with themselves.