Ability wins us the esteem of the true men; luck, that of the people.

There are few occasions when we should make a bad bargain by giving up the good on condition that no ill was said of us.

The force we use on ourselves, to prevent ourselves from loving, is often more cruel than the severest treatment at the hands of one loved.

A man, in order to establish himself in the world, does everything he can to appear established there.

The desire of appearing clever often prevents our becoming so.

We are all strong enough to bear other men's misfortunes.

The virtues and vices are all put in motion by interest.