Behind many acts that are thought ridiculous there lie wise and weighty motives.

When we enlarge upon the affection our friends have for us, this is very often not so much out of a sense of gratitude as from a desire to persuade people of our own great worth, that can deserve so much kindness.

Prudence and love are inconsistent; in proportion as the last increases, the other decreases.

Mediocre minds usually dismiss anything which reaches beyond their own understanding.

We are never so ridiculous through what we are as through what we pretend to be.

Boredom ... causes us to neglect more duties than does interest.

The greatest of all gifts is the power to estimate things at their true worth