There is a kind of elevation which does not depend on fortune; it is a certain air which distinguishes us, and seems to destine us for great things; it is a price which we imperceptibly set upon ourselves.

The health of the soul is as precarious as that of the body; for when we seem secure from passions, we are no less in danger of their infection than we are of falling ill when we appear to be well.

When our hatred is too alive puts us below what we hate.

What renders other people's vanity insufferable is that it wounds our own.

A man is ridiculous less through the characteristics he has than through those he affects to have.

A weak mind is the only defect out of our power to mend.

Narrow minds think nothing right that is above their own capacity.