We do not lack strength so much as the will to use it; and very often our imagining that things are impossible is nothing but an excuse of our own contriving, to reconcile ourselves to our own idleness.

Before strongly desiring anything, we should look carefully into the happiness of its present owner.

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

Love of fame, fear of disgrace, schemes for advancement, desire to make life comfortable and pleasant, and the urge to humiliate others are often at the root of the valour men hold in such high esteem.

The constancy of sages is nothing but the art of locking up their agitation in their hearts.

We often boast that we are never bored; but yet we are so conceited that we do not perceive how often we bore others.

The man that thinks he loves his mistress for her own sake is mightily mistaken.