There are no events so disastrous that adroit men do not draw some advantage from them, nor any so fortunate that the imprudent cannot turn to their own prejudice.

Almost everyone takes pleasure in repaying trifling obligations, very many feel gratitude for those that are moderate; but there is scarcely anyone who is not ungrateful for those that are weighty.

What makes false reckoning, as regards gratitude, is that the pride of the giver and the receiver cannot agree as to the value of the benefit.

To know oneself is not necessarily to improve oneself

What makes lovers never tire of one another is that they talk always about themselves.

It is praiseworthy even to attempt a great action.

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