One thing which makes us find so few people who appear reasonable and agreeable in conversation is, that there is scarcely any one who does not think more of what he is about to say than of answering precisely what is said to him.

Coquetry is the essential characteristic, and the prevalent humor of women; but they do not all practice it, because the coquetry of some is restrained by fear or by reason.

In their early passions women are in love with the lover, later they are in love with love.

What makes the pain we feel from shame and jealousy so cutting is that vanity can give us no assistance in bearing them.

Being a blockhead is sometimes the best security against being cheated by a man of wit.

Great souls are not those who have fewer passions and more virtues than others, but only those who have greater designs.

In the intercourse of life, we please more by our faults than by our good qualities.