Truth is the foundation and the reason of the perfection of beauty, for of whatever stature a thing may be, it cannot be beautiful-and perfect, unless it be truly what it should be, and possess truly all that it should have.

We cannot possibly imagine the variety of contradictions in every heart.

Few things are needed to make a wise man happy; nothing can make a fool content; that is why most men are miserable.

Instead of considering that the worst way to persuade or please others is to try thus strongly to please ourselves, and that to listen well and to answer well are some of the greatest charms we can have in conversation.

People are often vain of their passions, even of the worst, but envy is a passion so timid and shame-faced that no one ever dare avow her.

There is a sort of love whose very excessiveness prevents the lover's being jealous.

Esteem never makes ingrates.