What is the vanity of the vainest man compared with the vanity which the most modest possesses when, in the midst of nature and the world, he feels himself to be ''man''!

It was modesty which in Greece invented the word "philosopher" and left the splendid arrogance of calling oneself wise to the actors of the spirit --the modesty of such monsters of pride and self-glorification as Pythagoras, as Plato.

Man is so much more sensitive to the contempt of others than to contempt for himself.

Even the most beautiful scenery is no longer assured of our love after we have lived in it for three months, and some distant coast attracts our avarice: possessions are generally diminished by possession.

Modest people have often reason to be.

Our vanity is most difficult to wound just when our pride has been wounded.