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.

The duration of our passions is no more dependent on ourselves than the duration of our lives.

Indolence, languid as it is, often masters both passions and virtues.

There are no circumstances, however unfortunate, that clever people do not extract some advantage from.

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

The principal point of cleverness is to know how to value things just as they deserve.

To praise great actions with sincerity may be said to be taking part in them.