To praise great actions with sincerity may be said to be taking part in them.

It is safer to do most men harm than to do them too much good.

What renders us so changeable in our friendship is, that it is difficult to know the qualities of the soul, but easy to know those of the mind.

Hypocrisy is an homage that vice renders to virtue.

The vices enter into the composition of the virtues, as poisons into that of medicines. Prudence collects and arranges them, and uses them beneficially against the ills of life.

If there be a love pure and free from the admixture of our other passions, it is that which lies hidden in the bottom of our heart, and which we know not ourselves.

The pleasure of love is in loving; we are happier in the passion we feel than in what we inspire.