We frequently do good in order to enable us to do evil later with impunity exemption of punishment.

It is no tragedy to do ungrateful people favors, but it is unbearable to be indebted to a scoundrel.

Weakness of character is the only defect which cannot be amended.

One thing which makes us find so few people who appear reasonable and agreeable in conversation is, that there is scarcely any one who does not think more of what he is about to say than of answering precisely what is said to him.

Our wisdom is no less at fortune's mercy than our wealth.

Imagination does not enable us to invent as many different contradictions as there are by nature in every heart.

If we did not flatter ourselves, the flattery of others could never harm us.