Even the most disinterested love is, after all, but a kind of bargain, in which self-love always proposes to be the gainer one wayor another.

Avarice often produces opposite results: there are an infinite number of persons who sacrifice their property to doubtful and distant expectations; others mistake great future advantages for small present interests.

Fancy sets the value on the gifts of fortune.

Luxury and excessive refinement are sure forerunners of the decadence of states, because when all individuals seek their own interests they neglect the public weal.

When love becomes labored we welcome an act of infidelity towards ourselves to free us from fidelity.

We rarely ever perceive others as being sensible, except for those who agree with us.

If one judges love according to the greatest part of the effects it produces, it would appear to resemble rather hatred than kindness.