The charm of fame is so great that we like every object to which it is attached, even death.

So we can only know God well by knowing our iniquities. Therefore those who have known God, without knowing their wretchedness, have not glorified Him, but have glorified themselves.

Curiosity is nothing more than vanity. More often than not we only seek knowledge to show it off.

When a soldier complains of his hard life (or a labourer, etc.) try giving him nothing to do.

True eloquence scorns eloquence.

When we see an effect happen always in the same manner, we infer that it takes place by a natural necessity; as, for instance, that the sun will rise to morrow; but nature often deceives us, and will not submit to its own rules.

Meanings receive their dignity from words instead of giving it to them.