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.

People are often vain of their passions, even of the worst, but envy is a passion so timid and shame-faced that no one ever dare avow her.

As one grows older, one becomes wiser and more foolish.

There is a kind of love, the excess of which forbids jealousy.

There are two things which Man cannot look at directly without flinching: the sun and death.

How can we expect another to keep our secret if we have been unable to keep it ourselves?

Decency is the least of all laws, but yet it is the law which is most strictly observed.