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

The most subtle of our acts is to simulate blindness for snares that we know are set for us.

The measure of great men should always be measured by the means they have used to acquire it.

As love increases, prudence diminishes.

When our vices desert us, we flatter ourselves that we are deserting our vices.

Idleness and constancy fix the mind to what it finds easy and agreeable. This habit always confines and cramps up our knowledge; and no one has ever taken the trouble to stretch and carry his understanding as far as it could go.

Before we set our hearts too much upon anything, let us examine how happy they are, who already possess it.