Hypocrisy is an homage that vice renders to virtue.

It is as proper to have pride in oneself as it ridiculous to show it to others.

What we take for virtue is often nothing but an assemblage of different actions, and of different interests, that fortune or our industry knows how to arrange.

Politeness of mind consists in thinking chaste and refined thoughts.

The only good copies are those which make us see the absurdity of bad originals.

It is not always from valor or from chastity that men are brave, and women chaste.

When fortune surprises us by giving us some great office without having gradually led us to expect it, or without having raised our hopes, it is well nigh impossible to occupy it well, and to appear worthy to fill it.