Youth is a continual intoxication; it is the fever of reason.

Selfishness is the grand moving principle of nine-tenths of our actions.

We do not praise others, ordinarily, but in order to be praised ourselves.

The passions do very often give birth to others of a nature most contrary to their own. Thus avarice sometimes brings forth prodigality, and prodigality avarice; a man's resolution is very often the effect of levity, and his boldness that of cowardice and fear.

Jealousy is in a manner just and reasonable, as it tends to preserve a good which belongs, or which we believe belongs to us, on the other hand envy is a fury which cannot endure the happiness of others.

We are better pleased to see those on whom we confer benefits than those from whom we receive them.

Instead of considering that the worst way to persuade or please others is to try thus strongly to please ourselves, and that to listen well and to answer well are some of the greatest charms we can have in conversation.