Gratitude is like the good faith of traders: it maintains commerce, and we often pay, not because it is just to discharge our debts, but that we may more readily find people to trust us.

Moderation is the feebleness and sloth of the soul, whereas ambition is the warmth and activity of it.

We often persuade ourselves to love people who are more powerful than we are, yet interest alone produces our friendship; we do not give our hearts away for the good we wish to do, but for that we expect to receive.

Some follies are caught, like contagious diseases.

The passions are the only orators which always persuade.

In love deceit nearly always goes further than mistrust.

Sobriety is concern for one's health - or limited capacity.