What often prevents our abandoning ourselves to a single vice is, our having more than one.

Virtue would not make such advances if there were not a little vanity to keep it company.

Generally speaking, we would make a good bargain by renouncing all the good that people say of us, upon condition they would say no ill.

It is praiseworthy even to attempt a great action.

We forgive just so long as we love.

One should treat one's fate as one does one's health; enjoy it when it is good, be patient with it when it is poor, and never attempt any drastic cure save as an ultimate resort.

Self-love is more cunning than the most cunning man in the world.