Gratitude, in most men, is only a strong and secret hope of greater favors.

Whatever ignominy or disgrace we have incurred, it is almost always in our power to reestablish our reputation.

A great many men's gratitude is nothing but a secret desire to hook in more valuable kindnesses hereafter.

Some good qualities are like the senses: Those who are entirely deprived of them can have no notion of them.

It is a mistake to imagine, that the violent passions only, such as ambition and love, can triumph over the rest. Idleness, languid as it is, often masters them all; she influences all our designs and actions, and insensibly consumes and destroys both passions and virtues.

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

Some men are so full of themselves that when they fall in love, they amuse themselves rather with their own passion than with theperson they love.