It is as easy to deceive one's self without perceiving it, as it is difficult to deceive others without their finding out.

The reason that lovers never weary each other is because they are always talking about themselves.

Those who are overreached by our cunning are far from appearing to us as ridiculous as we appear to ourselves when the cunning of others has overreached us.

The hate of favourites is only a love of favour. The envy of NOT possessing it, consoles and softens its regrets by the contempt it evinces for those who possess it, and we refuse them our homage, not being able to detract from them what attracts that of the rest of the world.

It is only persons of firmness that can have real gentleness. Those who appear gentle are, in general, only a weak character, which easily changes into asperity.

It is easier to be wise for others than for ourselves.

There are but very few men clever enough to know all the mischief they do.