We make promises to the extent that we hope-and keep them to the extent that we fear.

The name and pretense of virtue is as serviceable to self-interest as are real vices.

Moderation in people who are contented comes from that calm that good fortune lends to their spirit.

To establish oneself in the world, one does all one can to seem established there already.

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

A good woman is a hidden treasure; who discovers her will do well not to boast about it.

There is a kind of love, the excess of which forbids jealousy.