We are almost always wearied in the company of persons with whom we are not permitted to be weary.

Our self-love can less bear to have our tastes than our opinions condemned.

Luxury and excessive refinement are sure forerunners of the decadence of states, because when all individuals seek their own interests they neglect the public weal.

Our probity is not less at the mercy of fortune than our property.

We are never either so fortunate or so misfortunate as we imagine.

Jealousy is in some measure just and reasonable, since it merely aims at keeping something that belongs to us or we think belongsto us, whereas envy is a frenzy that cannot bear anything that belongs to others.

Our wisdom is no less at fortune's mercy than our wealth.