There are people who in spite of their merit disgust us and others who please us in spite of their faults.

Those only are despicable who fear to be despised.

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

We never desire strongly, what we desire rationally.

Perfect courage and utter cowardice are two extremes which rarely occur.

Luxury and excessive refinement are sure forerunners of the decadence of states, because when all individuals seek their own interests they neglect the public weal.

We often credit ourselves with vices the reverse of what we have, thus when weak we boast of our obstinacy.