He that fancies such a sufficiency in himself that he can live without all the world is greatly mistaken; but he that imagines himself so necessary that other people cannot live without him is a great deal more mistaken.

There are no events so disastrous that adroit men do not draw some advantage from them, nor any so fortunate that the imprudent cannot turn to their own prejudice.

We easily forgive our friends those faults that do no affect us ourselves.

Only the contemptible fear contempt.

A clever man should handle his interests so that each will fall in suitable order of their value.

Those that have had great passions esteem themselves for the rest of their lives fortunate and unfortunate in being cured of them.

There are few virtuous women who are not bored with their trade.