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.

A clever man reaps some benefit from the worst catastrophe, and a fool can turn even good luck to his disadvantage.

Our actions seem to have their lucky and unlucky stars, to which a great part of that blame and that commendation is due which is given to the actions themselves.

Never give anyone the advice to buy or sell shares, because the most benevolent price of advice can turn out badly.

What seems to be generosity is often no more than disguised ambition, which overlooks a small interest in order to secure a great one.

When we seek reconciliation with our enemies, it is commonly out of a desire to better our own condition, a being harassed and tired out with a state of war, and a fear of some ill accident which we are willing to prevent.

Female gossips are generally actuated by active ignorance.