We try to make virtues out of the faults we have no wish to correct. We all have strength enough to endure the troubles of others. Excessive hatred brings us down below the level of those we hate. Sometimes we think we dislike flattery, but it is only the way it is done that we dislike. We come quite fresh to the different stages of life, and in each of them we are usually quite inexperienced, no matter how old we are.
Some follies are as catching as contagious diseases.
Suspicion on our part justifies deceit in others. Repentence is not so much regret for the evil we have done as fear of the evil that may befall us as a result. Our enemies are nearer the truth in their opinion of us than we are ourselves. It is easier to be wise for others than for oneself. There are few sensible people, we find, except those who share our opinions.