Coquetry is the essential characteristic, and the prevalent humor of women; but they do not all practice it, because the coquetry of some is restrained by fear or by reason.

Moderation is the feebleness and sloth of the soul, whereas ambition is the warmth and activity of it.

It requires greater virtues to support good fortune than bad.

We are better pleased to see those on whom we confer benefits than those from whom we receive them.

Jealousy is bred in doubts. When those doubts change into certainties, then the passion either ceases or turns absolute madness.

What seems to be generosity is often no more than disguised ambition, which overlooks a small interest in order to secure a great one.

Of all our faults, the one that we excuse most easily is idleness.