The constancy of the wise is only the talent of concealing the agitation of their hearts.

When our vices leave us, we like to imagine it is we who are leaving them.

Friendship is only a reciprocal conciliation of interests, and an exchange of good offices; it is a species of commerce out of which self-love always expects to gain something.

Small minds are much distressed by little things. Great minds see them all but are not upset by them.

We have no patience with other people's vanity because it is offensive to our own.

A great many men's gratitude is nothing but a secret desire to hook in more valuable kindnesses hereafter.

The desire to seem clever often keeps us from being so.