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

There are no events so disastrous that adroit men do not draw some advantage from them, nor any so fortunate that the imprudent cannot turn to their own prejudice.

The contempt of riches in philosophers was only a hidden desire to avenge their merit upon the injustice of fortune, by despising the very goods of which fortune had deprived them; it was a secret to guard themselves against the degradation of poverty, it was a back way by which to arrive at that distinction which they could not gain by riches.

Sometimes there is equal or more ability in knowing how to use good advice than there is in giving it.

The passions of youth are not more dangerous to health than is the lukewarmness of old age.

The wind which snuffs the candle fans the fire.

Considering how little the beginning or the ceasing to love is in our own power, it is foolish and unreasonable for the lover or his mistress to complain of one another's inconstancy.