Nothing is rarer than real goodness.

Were we perfectly acquainted with the object, we should never passionately desire it.

What is called generosity is usually only the vanity of giving; we enjoy the vanity more than the thing given.

He is safe who admits no one to his confidence.

Women find it far more difficult to overcome their inclination to coquetry than to overcome their love.

What renders other people's vanity insufferable is that it wounds our own.

Almost everyone takes pleasure in repaying trifling obligations, very many feel gratitude for those that are moderate; but there is scarcely anyone who is not ungrateful for those that are weighty.