Men are inconsolable concerning the treachery of their friends or the deceptions of their enemies; and yet they are often very highly satisfied to be both deceived and betrayed by their own selves.

We should desire very few things passionately if we did but perfectly know the nature of the things we desire.

Those that have had great passions esteem themselves for the rest of their lives fortunate and unfortunate in being cured of them.

It is not always for virtue's sake that women are virtuous.

The generality of men have, like plants, latent properties, which chance brings to light.

Boredom ... causes us to neglect more duties than does interest.

We should not judge a man's merits by his great qualities, but by the use he makes of them.