The passions do very often give birth to others of a nature most contrary to their own. Thus avarice sometimes brings forth prodigality, and prodigality avarice; a man's resolution is very often the effect of levity, and his boldness that of cowardice and fear.

The praise we give to new comers into the world arises from the envy we bear to those who are established.

Our wisdom lies as much at the mercy of fortune as our possessions do.

It is easier to appear worthy of a position one does not hold, than of the office which one fills.

Men are not only prone to forget benefits; they even hate those who have obliged them, and cease to hate those who have injured them. The necessity of revenging an injury, or of recompensing a benefit seems a slavery to which they are unwilling to submit.

Our probity is not less at the mercy of fortune than our property.

Innocence does not find near so much protection as guilt.