Great names abase, instead of elevating, those who do not know how to bear them.
Many men are contemptuous of riches; few can give them away.
What renders us so changeable in our friendship is, that it is difficult to know the qualities of the soul, but easy to know those of the mind.
The passions are the only orators which always persuade.
Our distrust of another justifies his deceit.
Our wisdom is no less at fortune's mercy than our wealth.