The constancy of sages is nothing but the art of locking up their agitation in their hearts.

Great men's honor ought always to be measured by the methods they made use of in attaining it.

One cannot answer for his courage when he has never been in danger.

He is a truly virtuous man who wishes always to be open to the observation of honest men.

Great souls are not those who have fewer passions and more virtues than others, but only those who have greater designs.

When we exaggerate our friends' tenderness towards us, it is often less from gratitude than from a desire to exhibit our own virtue.

High fortune makes both our virtues and vices stand out as objects that are brought clearly to view by the light.