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.

Nature makes merit, and fortune puts it to work.

We are never so generous as when giving advice.

The aversion to lying is often a hidden ambition to render our words credible and weighty, and to attach a religious aspect to our conversation.

We seldom find any person of good sense, except those who share our opinions.

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

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