Nothing is rarer than true good nature; they who are reputed to have it are generally only pliant or weak.

Few are sufficiently wise to prefer censure which is useful to praise which is treacherous.

We are much harder on people who betray us in small ways than on people who betray others in great ones.

Considering how little the beginning or the ceasing to love is in our own power, it is foolish and unreasonable for the lover or his mistress to complain of one another's inconstancy.

As the great ones of this world are unable to bestow health of body or peace of mind, we always pay too high a price for any good they can do.

Some people resemble ballads which are only sung for a certain time.

If it requires great tact to speak to the purpose, it requires no less to know when to be silent.