In the presence of some people we inevitably depart From ourselves: we are inaccurate, we say things we do not feel, And talk nonsense. When we get home we are conscious that we Have made fools of ourselves. Never go near these people.

Were we perfectly acquainted with the object, we should never passionately desire it.

Reason alone is insufficient to make us enthusiastic in any matter.

It is no tragedy to do ungrateful people favors, but it is unbearable to be indebted to a scoundrel.

Absence abates a moderate passion and intensifies a great one - as the wind blows out a candle but fans fire into flame.

That man, we may be sure, is a person of true worth, whom those who envy him most are yet forced to praise.

Jealousy is always born with love, but does not die with it. In jealousy there is more of self-love than of love to another.