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.

It is far better to be deceived than undeceived by those whom we tenderly love.

To achieve greatness one should live as if they will never die.

A man is sometimes better off deceived about the one he loves, than undeceived.

Jealousy is bred in doubts. When those doubts change into certainties, then the passion either ceases or turns absolute madness.

There are fine things that are more brilliant when they are unfinished than when finished too much.

It is as easy to deceive one's self without perceiving it, as it is difficult to deceive others without their finding out.