Those great and glorious actions that dazzle our eyes with their luster are represented by statesmen as the result of great wisdomand excellent design; whereas, in truth, they are commonly the effects of the humors and passions.

It is a great act of cleverness to be able to conceal one's being clever.

Passion often makes fools of the wisest men and gives the silliest wisdom.

A wise man should order his interests, and set them all in their proper places. This order is often troubled by greed, which putsus upon pursuing so many things at once that, in eagerness for matters of less consideration, we grasp at trifles, and let go things of greater value.

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

As love increases, prudence diminishes.

The strongest symptom of wisdom in man is his being sensible of his own follies.