It is easier to know men in general, than men in particular.

• There are a great many men valued in society who have nothing to recommend them but serviceable vices.
• If we resist our passions, it is more due to their weakness than our strength.
• We all have enough strength to endure the misfortunes of others.
• When we disclaim praise, it is only showing our desire to be praised a second time.
• We are so used to dissembling with others that in time we come to deceive and dissemble with ourselves.
• However greatly we distrust the sincerity of those we converse with, yet still we think they tell more truth to us than to anyone else.
• Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.
• Though men are apt to flatter and exalt themselves with their great achievements, yet these are, in truth, very often owing not so much to design as chance.
• It is great folly to wish to be wise all alone.
• Few people have the wisdom to prefer the criticism that would do them good, to the praise that deceives them.