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.

Nature creates ability; luck provides it with opportunity.

Fortune turns all things to the advantage of those on whom she smiles.

Propriety is the least of all laws, and the most observed.

There are very few things impossible in themselves; and we do not want means to conquer difficulties so much as application and resolution in the use of means.

When a man is in love, he doubts, very often, what he most firmly believes.

The happiness and misery of men depend no less on temper than fortune.