Our repentances are generally not so much a concern and remorse for the harm we have done, as a fear of the harm we may have brought upon ourselves.

Some follies are caught, like contagious diseases.

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

We are easily comforted for the misfortunes of our friends, when those misfortunes give us an occasion of expressing our affection and solicitude.

We should not judge a man's merits by his great qualities, but by the use he makes of them.

Were we perfectly acquainted with the object, we should never passionately desire it.

Only strong natures can really be sweet ones; those that seem sweet are in general only weak, and may easily turn sour.