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

If a man is not made for God, why is he happy only in God?

If our condition were truly happy, we would not need diversion from thinking of it in order to make ourselves happy.

Justice and truth are two such subtle points, that our tools are too blunt to touch them accurately.

Pride counterbalances all our miseries, for it either hides them, or, if it discloses them, boasts of that disclosure. Pride has such a thorough possession of us, even in the midst of our miseries and faults, that we are prepared to sacrifice life with joy, if it may but be talked of.

If you want others to have a good opinion of you, say nothing.

It is right that what is just should be obeyed. It is necessary that what is strongest should be obeyed.