All men are equally proud. The only difference is that not all take the same methods of showing it.

Praise is flattery, artful, hidden, delicate, which gratifies differently him who praises and him who is praised. The one takes it as the reward of merit, the other bestows it to show his impartiality and knowledge.

The virtues and vices are all put in motion by interest.

Absence abates a moderate passion and intensifies a great one - as the wind blows out a candle but fans fire into flame.

Consolation for unhappiness can often be found in a certain satisfaction we get from looking unhappy.

If we did not flatter ourselves, the flattery of others could never harm us.

Man only blames himself in order that he may be praised.