Death is the greatest evil, because it cuts off hope.

Fame is the inheritance not of the dead, but of the living. It is we who look back with lofty pride to the great names of antiquity.

We are never so much disposed to quarrel with others as when we are dissatisfied with ourselves.

Confidence gives a fool the advantage over a wise man.

...greatness sympathises with greatness, and littleness shrinks into itself.

There are few things in which we deceive ourselves more than in the esteem we profess to entertain for our firends. It is little better than a piece of quackery. The truth is, we think of them as we please, that is, as they please or displease us.

The dupe of friendship, and the fool of love; have I not reason to hate and to despise myself? Indeed I do; and chiefly for not having hated and despised the world enough.