Affected simplicity is an elegant imposture.

Neither the sun nor death can be looked at steadily.

To know oneself is not necessarily to improve oneself

The moderation of people in prosperity is the effect of a smooth and composed temper, owing to the calm of their good fortune.

Commonplace minds usually condemn what is beyond the reach of their understanding.

It is more often from pride than from ignorance that we are so obstinately opposed to current opinions; we find the first places taken, and we do not want to be the last.

Fancy sets the value on the gifts of fortune.