Nothing is more unjust or capricious than public opinion.

Envy is a littleness of soul, which cannot see beyond a certain point, and if it does not occupy the whole space feels itself excluded.

It is essential to the triumph of reform that it should never succeed.

The fear of approaching death, which in youth we imagine must cause inquietude to the aged, is very seldom the source of much uneasiness.

Human life may be regarded as a succession of frontispieces. The way to be satisfied is never to look back.

Most of the methods for measuring the lapse of time have, I believe, been the contrivance of monks and religious recluses, who, finding time hang heavy on their hands, were at some pains to see how they got rid of it.

The vain man makes a merit of misfortune, and triumphs in his disgrace.