All government indeed every human benefit and enjoyment every virtue and every prudent act is founded on compromise and barter.

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.

You have a good many little gifts and virtues but there is no need of parading them for conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long and the great charm of all power is modesty.

If one has a good disposition what other virtue is needed? If a man has fame what is the value of other ornamentation?

Heaven and hell suppose two distinct species of men the good and the bad. But the greatest part of mankind float betwixt vice and virtue.

A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue but moderation in principle is always a vice.

A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.

In truth politeness is artificial good humor it covers the natural want of it and ends by rendering habitual a substitute nearly equivalent to the real virtue.

The virtues like the Muses are always seen in groups. A good principle was never found solitary in any breast.

Virtue is persecuted more by the wicked than it is loved by the good.