Discourses on humility are a source of pride in the vain and of humility in the humble. So those on scepticism cause believers to affirm. Few men speak humbly of humility, chastely of chastity, few doubtingly of scepticism.

We view things not only from different sides, but with different eyes; we have no wish to find them alike.

Our own interests are still an exquisite means for dazzling our eyes agreeably.

The last thing we decide in writing a book is what to put first.

All men have happiness as their object: there is no exception. However different the means they employ, they all aim at the same end.

It is a dangerous experiment to call in gratitude as an ally to love. Love is a debt which inclination always pays, obligation never.

Education produces natural intuitions, and natural intuitions are erased by education.