The confidence which we have in ourselves give birth to much of that, which we have in others.

We should often blush at our noblest deeds if the world were to see all their underlying motives.

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.

To praise princes for virtues they do not possess is to insult them without fear of consequences.

What we cut off from our other faults is very often but so much added to our pride.

Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.

There are good marriages, but there are no delightful ones.