The passions are the only orators which always persuade.

Behind many acts that are thought ridiculous there lie wise and weighty motives.

Timidity is a fault for which it is dangerous to reprove persons whom we wish to correct of it.

Old people are fond of giving good advice; it consoles them for no longer being capable of setting a bad example.

Men are often so foolish as to boast and value themselves upon their passions, even those that are most vicious. But envy is a passion so full of cowardice and shame that no one every ever had the confidence to own it.

In misfortune we often mistake dejection for constancy; we bear it without daring to look on it; like cowards, who suffer themselves to be murdered without resistance.

The truest comparison we can make of love is to liken it to a fever; we have no more power over the one than the other, either as to its violence or duration.