We rarely think people have good sense unless they agree with us.

People would not long remain in social life if they were not the dupes of each other.

True bravery means doing alone that which one could do if all the world were by.

Intrepidity is an extraordinary strength of soul, which raises it above the troubles, disorders and emotions which the sight of great perils can arouse in it; by this strength heroes maintain a calm aspect and preserve their reason and liberty in the most surprising and terrible accidents.

Ability wins us the esteem of the true men; luck, that of the people.

There are various sorts of curiosity; one is from interest, which makes us desire to know that which may be useful to us; and the other, from pride which comes from the wish to know what others are ignorant of.

Everyone praises his heart, none dare praise their understanding.