The hate of favourites is only a love of favour. The envy of NOT possessing it, consoles and softens its regrets by the contempt it evinces for those who possess it, and we refuse them our homage, not being able to detract from them what attracts that of the rest of the world.

The gallantry of the mind consists in agreeable flattery.

Our wisdom lies as much at the mercy of fortune as our possessions do.

The intention of cheating no one lays us open to being cheated ourselves.

The constancy of sages is nothing but the art of locking up their agitation in their hearts.

Sometimes in life situations develop that only the half-crazy can get out of.

As uncommon a thing as true love is, it is yet easier to find than true friendship.