Sincerity is a certain openness of heart. It is to be found in very few, and what we commonly look upon to be so is only a cunningsort of dissimulation, to insinuate ourselves into the confidence of others.

To achieve greatness one should live as if they will never die.

We often persuade ourselves to love people who are more powerful than we are, yet interest alone produces our friendship; we do not give our hearts away for the good we wish to do, but for that we expect to receive.

Politeness is a desire to be treated politely, and to be esteemed polite oneself.

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

Some good qualities are like the senses: Those who are entirely deprived of them can have no notion of them.

The health of the soul is as precarious as that of the body; for when we seem secure from passions, we are no less in danger of their infection than we are of falling ill when we appear to be well.