The aversion to lying is often a hidden ambition to render our words credible and weighty, and to attach a religious aspect to our conversation.
It is as easy to deceive one's self without perceiving it, as it is difficult to deceive others without their finding out.
A man's wits are better employed in bearing up under the misfortunes that lie upon him at present than in foreseeing those that may come upon him hereafter.
There are some disguised falsehoods so like truths, that 'twould be to judge ill not to be deceived by them.
Our aversion to lying is commonly a secret ambition to make what we say considerable, and have every word received with a religious respect.
Behind many acts that are thought ridiculous there lie wise and weighty motives.
We are never so easily deceived as when we imagine we are deceiving others.
Our wisdom lies as much at the mercy of fortune as our possessions do.
Hope, deceiving as it is, serves at least to lead us to the end of our lives by an agreeable route.
If there be a love pure and free from the admixture of our other passions, it is that which lies hidden in the bottom of our heart, and which we know not ourselves.
