The only good copies are those which make us see the absurdity of bad originals.

The secret of pleasing in conversation is not to explain too much everything; to say them half and leave a little for divination is a mark of the good opinion we have of others, and nothing flatters their self-love more.

The prospect of being pleased tomorrow will never console me for the boredom of today.

The constancy of the wise is only the talent of concealing the agitation of their hearts.

Men are often so foolish as to boast and value themselves upon their passions, even those that are most vicious. But envy is a passion so full of cowardice and shame that no one every ever had the confidence to own it.

Affected simplicity is an elegant imposture.

In friendship, as in love, we are often more happy from the things we are ignorant of than from those we are acquainted with.