In all aspects of life, we take on a part and an appearance to seem to be what we wish to be--and thus the world is merely composed of actors.

We can be more clever than one, but not more clever than all.

We confess to little faults only to persuade ourselves we have no great ones.

We do not like to praise, and seldom praise anyone without self-interest.

What renders us so changeable in our friendship is, that it is difficult to know the qualities of the soul, but easy to know those of the mind.

Our greediness so often troubles us, making us run after so many things at the same time, that while we too eagerly look after the least we miss the greatest.

Politeness of mind consists in thinking chaste and refined thoughts.