Hope, deceiving as it is, serves at least to lead us to the end of our lives by an agreeable route.

Our wisdom lies as much at the mercy of fortune as our possessions do.

There are some disguised falsehoods so like truths, that 'twould be to judge ill not to be deceived by them.

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.

It is as easy to deceive one's self without perceiving it, as it is difficult to deceive others without their finding out.

We are never so easily deceived as when we imagine we are deceiving others.

Behind many acts that are thought ridiculous there lie wise and weighty motives.

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.