Politeness of mind consists in thinking chaste and refined thoughts.

Moderation is caused by the fear of exciting the envy and contempt which those merit who are intoxicated with their good fortune; it is a vain display of our strength of mind, and in short the moderation of men at their greatest height is only a desire to appear greater than their fortune.

To think to be wise alone is a very great folly.

Women's virtue is frequently nothing but a regard to their own quiet and a tenderness for their reputation.

Too great refinement is false delicacy, and true delicacy is solid refinement.

All the passions are nothing else than different degrees of heat and cold of the blood.

A good woman is a hidden treasure; who discovers her will do well not to boast about it.