When our vices desert us, we flatter ourselves that we are deserting our vices.

It takes more strength of character to withstand good fortune than bad.

The duration of our passions is no more dependent on ourselves than the duration of our lives.

Behind many acts that are thought ridiculous there lie wise and weighty motives.

People are more slanderous from vanity than from malice.

They that apply themselves to trifling matters commonly become incapable of great ones.

There are few virtuous women who are not bored with their trade.