We are easily comforted for the misfortunes of our friends, when those misfortunes give us an occasion of expressing our affection and solicitude.

Narrow minds think nothing right that is above their own capacity.

It is no tragedy to do ungrateful people favors, but it is unbearable to be indebted to a scoundrel.

Fortune and humor govern the world.

We sometimes imagine we hate flattery, but we only hate the way we are flattered.

Avarice often produces opposite results: there are an infinite number of persons who sacrifice their property to doubtful and distant expectations; others mistake great future advantages for small present interests.

What makes false reckoning, as regards gratitude, is that the pride of the giver and the receiver cannot agree as to the value of the benefit.