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.

The qualities we have, make us so ridiculous as those which we affect.

A man is ridiculous less through the characteristics he has than through those he affects to have.

The courage of a great many men, and the virtue of a great many women, are the effect of vanity, shame, and especially a suitabletemperament.

The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body; after all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind, and they are in continual danger of breaking the skin and bursting out again.

The height of ability consists in a thorough knowledge of the real value of things, and of the genius of the age in which we live.

The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.