Perfect courage and utter cowardice are two extremes which rarely occur.

We may sooner be brought to love them that hate us, than them that love us more than we would have them do.

We are very far from always knowing our own wishes.

The less you trust others, the less you will be deceived.

If one acts rightly and honestly, it is difficult to decide whether it is the effect of integrity or skill.

Happiness does not consist in things themselves but in the relish we have of them.

Kings do with men as with pieces of money; they give them what value they please, and we are obliged to receive them at their current and not at their real value.