People are often vain of their passions, even of the worst, but envy is a passion so timid and shame-faced that no one ever dare avow her.
Fortune makes our virtues and vices visible, just as light does the objects of sight.
Moderation is an ostentatious proof of our strength of character.
Preserving health by too severe a rule is a worrisome malady.
The height of cleverness is to be able to conceal it.
To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation.