The passions are the only orators that always persuade: they are, as it were, a natural art, the rules of which are infallible; and the simplest man with passion is more persuasive than the most eloquent without it.

Some reproaches praise; some praises reproach.

Jealousy is in some measure just and reasonable, since it merely aims at keeping something that belongs to us or we think belongsto us, whereas envy is a frenzy that cannot bear anything that belongs to others.

A man's worth has its season, like fruit.

No persons are more frequently wrong, than those who will not admit they are wrong.

When we disclaim praise, it is only showing our desire to be praised a second time.

Absence cools moderate passions, and inflames violent ones; just as the wind blows out candles, but kindles fires.