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

Gratitude is merely the secret hope of further favors.

The most sure method of subjecting yourself to be deceived is to consider yourself more cunning than others.

There are no events so disastrous that adroit men do not draw some advantage from them, nor any so fortunate that the imprudent cannot turn to their own prejudice.

We often pay our debts not because it is only fair that we should, but to make future loans easier.

Gratitude, in most men, is only a strong and secret hope of greater favors.

When love becomes labored we welcome an act of infidelity towards ourselves to free us from fidelity.