In all professions each affects a look and an exterior to appear what he wishes the world to believe that he is. Thus we may say that the whole world is made up of appearances.

To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.

Man only blames himself in order that he may be praised.

How deceitful hope may be, yet she carries us on pleasantly to the end of life.

Imagination does not enable us to invent as many different contradictions as there are by nature in every heart.

The qualities we have, make us so ridiculous as those which we affect.

If we are to judge of love by its consequences, it more nearly resembles hatred than friendship.