"Too great haste to repay an obligation..." - Quote by Francois De La Rochefoucauld

“The world more often rewards the appearances of merit than merit itself.”

“What we take for high-mindedness is very often no other than ambition well disguised, that scorns means interests, only to pursuegreater.”

“To awaken a man who is deceived as to his own merit is to do him as bad a turn as that done to the Athenian madman who was happy in believing that all the ships touching at the port belonged to him.”

“The observance of Thanksgiving Day-as a function-has become general of late years. The Thankfulness is not so general. This is natural. Two-thirds of the nation have always had hard luck and a hard time during the year, and this has a calming effect upon their enthusiasm.”

“Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to [grow and] become successful. For that reason it makes sense to be grateful for adversities that help you grow, even if it is only in understanding and compassion for other's suffering.”

“Being thankful helps you to be present.People commit errors because they are not present.I would encourage women and men to be present - you'll avoid falling into certain pits.For instance, if you know that a person has just lost his wife or her husband or lover, it's unlikely that you will say something that will hurt that person's feelings if you're truly paying attention. You'll make a sweeter life for yourself and for those around you if you are present.”

“If you are living out of a sense of obligation you are slave.”

“Relationships based on obligation lack dignity.”

“Every claim creates an obligation.”