No man would, I think, exchange his existence with any other man, however fortunate. We had as lief not be, as not be ourselves.

True friendship is self-love at second hand; where, as in a flattering mirror we may see our virtues magnified and our errors softened, and where we may fancy our opinion of ourselves confirmed by an impartial and faithful witness.

The world dread nothing so much as being convinced of their errors.

The most learned are often the most narrow minded.

Vulgar prejudices are those which arise out of accident, ignorance, or authority; natural prejudices are those which arise out of the constitution of the human mind itself.

The most insignificant people are the most apt to sneer at others. They are safe from reprisals. And have no hope of rising in their own self esteem but by lowering their neighbors.

Life is the art of being well deceived.