It is oftener by the estimation of our own feelings that we exaggerate the good qualities of others than by their merit, and when we praise them we wish to attract their praise.

Those that have had great passions esteem themselves for the rest of their lives fortunate and unfortunate in being cured of them.

In their early passions women are in love with the lover, later they are in love with love.

Some good qualities are like the senses: Those who are entirely deprived of them can have no notion of them.

Perseverance is neither praiseworthy nor blameworthy; for it seems to be only the enduring of certain inclinations and opinions which men neither give themselves nor take away from themselves.

The more we love, the nearer we are to hate.

Tastes in young people are changed by natural impetuosity, and in the aged are preserved by habit.