Often we are firm from weakness, and audacious from timidity.

The only thing constant in life is change

When the philosophers despised riches, it was because they had a mind to vindicate their own merit, and take revenge upon the injustice of fortune by vilifying those enjoyments which she had not given them.

Flattery is a kind of bad money, to which our vanity gives us currency.

When the soul is ruffled by the remains of one passion, it is more disposed to entertain a new one than when it is entirely curedand at rest from all.

A man is sometimes better off deceived about the one he loves, than undeceived.

It takes more strength of character to withstand good fortune than bad.