The most effectual way to be deceived is to believe oneself more cunning than one's neighbors.

The moderation of people in prosperity is the effect of a smooth and composed temper, owing to the calm of their good fortune.

Sometimes a fool has talent, but never judgment.

In the human heart one generation of passions follows another; from the ashes of one springs the spark of the next.

Perfect valour consists in doing without witnesses that which we would be capable of doing before everyone.

No fools are so difficult to manage as those with some brains.

When the soul is ruffled by the remains of one passion, it is more disposed to entertain a new one than when it is entirely curedand at rest from all.