Philosophers conceive of the passions which harass us as vices into which men fall by their own fault, and, therefore, generally deride, bewail, or blame them, or execrate them, if they wish to seem unusually pious.

Happiness is a virtue, not its reward.

Care of the poor is incumbent on society as a whole.

Do not weep; do not wax indignant. Understand.

Fame has also this great drawback, that if we pursue it, we must direct our lives so as to please the fancy of men.

Ambition is the immoderate desire for honor.

He who has a true idea, knows at that same time that he has a true idea, nor can he doubt concerning the truth of the thing.