The surest proof of being endowed with noble qualities is to be free from envy.

There is no praise we have not lavished upon prudence; and yet she cannot assure to us the most trifling event.

Our self-love can less bear to have our tastes than our opinions condemned.

The passions are the only orators which always persuade.

Old men delight in giving good advice as a consolation for the fact that they can no longer set bad examples.

To think to be wise alone is a very great folly.

The duration of our passions is no more dependent on ourselves than the duration of our lives.