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.

Fortune turns all things to the advantage of those on whom she smiles.

Flattery is false money, which would not be current were it not for our vanity.

We have not strength enough to follow our reason so far as it would carry us.

Nothing is impossible; there are ways that lead to everything, and if we had sufficient will we should always have sufficient means. It is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible.

Beautiful coquettes are quacks of love.

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