We do not wish ardently for what we desire only through reason.

Love of glory, fear of shame, greed for fortune, the desire to make life agreeable and comfortable, and the wish to depreciate others - all of these are often the causes of the bravery that is spoken so highly of by men.

Sincerity is an openness of heart; we find it in very few people; what we usually see is only an artful dissimulation to win the confidence of others.

We often in our misfortunes take that for constancy and patience which is only dejection of mind; we suffer without daring to holdup our heads, just as cowards let themselves be knocked on the head because they have not courage to strike back.

Female gossips are generally actuated by active ignorance.

We think very few people sensible, except those who are of our opinion.

The desire of talking of ourselves, and showing those faults we do not mind having seen, makes up a good part of our sincerity.