Indolence, languid as it is, often masters both passions and virtues.

Envy is more incapable of reconciliation than hatred is.

Pity is a sense of our own misfortunes in those of another man; it is a sort of foresight of the disasters which may befall ourselves. We assist others,, in order that they may assist us on like occasions; so that the services we offer to the unfortunate are in reality so many anticipated kindnesses to ourselves.

To establish ourselves in the world, we have to do all we can to appear established. To succeed in the world, we do everything we can to appear successful.

The constancy of the wise is only the talent of concealing the agitation of their hearts.

Gravity is a mysterious carriage of the body invented to cover the defects of the mind.

Those who are condemned to death affect sometimes a constancy and contempt for death which is only the fear of facing it; so that one may say that this constancy and contempt are to their mind what the bandage is to their eyes.