The grace of novelty and the length of habit, though so very opposite to one another, yet agree in this, that they both alike keepus from discovering the faults of our friends.

I always say to myself, what is the most important thing we can think about at this extraordinary moment.

The health of the soul is as precarious as that of the body; for when we seem secure from passions, we are no less in danger of their infection than we are of falling ill when we appear to be well.

Weakness is the only fault that is incorrigible.

Kings do with men as with pieces of money; they give them what value they please, and we are obliged to receive them at their current and not at their real value.

It is easier to appear worthy of a position one does not hold, than of the office which one fills.

We rarely ever perceive others as being sensible, except for those who agree with us.