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

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.

If we had no faults, we would not derive so much pleasure from noting those of other people.

To think to be wise alone is a very great folly.

The happiness and misery of men depend no less on temper than fortune.

The reason that lovers never weary each other is because they are always talking about themselves.

Absence cools moderate passions, and inflames violent ones; just as the wind blows out candles, but kindles fires.