Love of glory, fear of shame, greed for fortune, the desire to make life agreeable and comfortable, and the wish to depreciate others - all of these are often the causes of the bravery that is spoken so highly of by men.

Jealousy is in a manner just and reasonable, as it tends to preserve a good which belongs, or which we believe belongs to us, on the other hand envy is a fury which cannot endure the happiness of others.

Generally speaking, we would make a good bargain by renouncing all the good that people say of us, upon condition they would say no ill.

The greatest miracle of love is the cure of coquetry.

For the credit of virtue we must admit that the greatest misfortunes of men are those into which they fall through their crimes.

The desire which urges us to deserve praise strengthens our good qualities, and praise given to wit, valour, and beauty, tends to increase them.

Moderation is like sobriety: you would like to have some more, but are afraid of making yourself ill.