We love everything on our own account; we even follow our own taste and inclination when we prefer our friends to ourselves; and yet it is this preference alone that constitutes true and perfect friendship.

Listening well and answering well is one of the greatest perfections that can be obtained in conversation.

It is easier to be wise for others than for ourselves.

In all aspects of life, we take on a part and an appearance to seem to be what we wish to be--and thus the world is merely composed of actors.

There are few people who would not be ashamed of being loved when they love no longer.

The good or the bad fortune of men depends not less upon their own dispositions than upon fortune.

Our minds are lazier than our bodies.