What we take for high-mindedness is very often no other than ambition well disguised, that scorns means interests, only to pursuegreater.

Passion often makes a fool of the cleverest man and often makes the most foolish men clever

Folly pursues us at all periods of our lives. If someone seems wise it is only because his follies are proportionate to his age and fortune.

The best way to rise in society is to use all possible means of persuading people that one has already risen in society.

The intention of cheating no one lays us open to being cheated ourselves.

Bravery in simple soldiers is a dangerous trade, to which they have bound themselves to get their livelihood.

For the credit of virtue we must admit that the greatest misfortunes of men are those into which they fall through their crimes.