Men more easily renounce their interests than their tastes.

Kings do with men as with pieces of money; they give them what value they please, and we are obliged to receive them at their current and not at their real value.

The only good imitations are those that poke fun at bad originals.

One should treat one's fate as one does one's health; enjoy it when it is good, be patient with it when it is poor, and never attempt any drastic cure save as an ultimate resort.

We confess to little faults only to persuade ourselves we have no great ones.

The height of ability in the least able consists in knowing how to submit to the good leadership of others.

Bravery in simple soldiers is a dangerous trade, to which they have bound themselves to get their livelihood.