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

If we have not peace within ourselves, it is in vain to seek it from outward sources.

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

If one judges love according to the greatest part of the effects it produces, it would appear to resemble rather hatred than kindness.

The most clever and polite are content with only seeming attentive while we perceive in their mind and eyes that at the very time they are wandering from what is said and desire to return to what they want to say.

Some weak people are so sensible of their weakness as to be able to make a good use of it.

It is much easier to seem fitted for posts we do not fill than for those we do.