The virtues and vices are all put in motion by interest.

The principal point of cleverness is to know how to value things just as they deserve.

The sicknesses of the soul have their ups and downs like those of the body; what we take to be a cure is most often merely a respite or change of disease.

Some good qualities are like the senses: Those who are entirely deprived of them can have no notion of them.

It is as commendable to think well of oneself when alone, as it is ridiculous to speak well of oneself among others.

It is with certain good qualities as with the senses; those who have them not can neither appreciate nor comprehend them in others.

The passions often engender their contraries.