We should only affect compassion, and carefully avoid having any.
That which occasions so many mistakes in the computations of men, when they expect return for favors, is that the giver's pride and the receiver's cannot agree upon the value of the kindness done.
When we enlarge upon the affection our friends have for us, this is very often not so much out of a sense of gratitude as from a desire to persuade people of our own great worth, that can deserve so much kindness.
If one judges love according to the greatest part of the effects it produces, it would appear to resemble rather hatred than kindness.
A great many men's gratitude is nothing but a secret desire to hook in more valuable kindnesses hereafter.
Too great haste to repay an obligation is a kind of ingratitude.
Pity is a sense of our own misfortunes in those of another man; it is a sort of foresight of the disasters which may befall ourselves. We assist others,, in order that they may assist us on like occasions; so that the services we offer to the unfortunate are in reality so many anticipated kindnesses to ourselves.
