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.

Indolence, languid as it is, often masters both passions and virtues.

High fortune makes both our virtues and vices stand out as objects that are brought clearly to view by the light.

It is not enough that we should succeed, but our friends must fail as well.

Our temper sets a price upon every gift that we receive from fortune.

We should manage our fortune as we do our health - enjoy it when good, be patient when it is bad, and never apply violent remedies except in an extreme necessity

Idleness is more an infirmity of the mind than of the body.