People are often vain of their passions, even of the worst, but envy is a passion so timid and shame-faced that no one ever dare avow her.

We come altogether fresh and raw into the several stages of life, and often find ourselves without experience, despite our years.

A wise man should order his interests, and set them all in their proper places. This order is often troubled by greed, which putsus upon pursuing so many things at once that, in eagerness for matters of less consideration, we grasp at trifles, and let go things of greater value.

Neither love nor fire can subsist without perpetual motion; both cease to live so soon as they cease to hope, or to fear.

If we judge love by most of its effects, it resembles rather hatred than affection.

Familiarity is a suspension of almost all the laws of civility, which libertinism has introduced into society under the notion of ease.

Love of fame, fear of disgrace, schemes for advancement, desire to make life comfortable and pleasant, and the urge to humiliate others are often at the root of the valour men hold in such high esteem.