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.

We often shed tears that deceive ourselves after deceiving others.

Our actions seem to have their lucky and unlucky stars, to which a great part of that blame and that commendation is due which is given to the actions themselves.

A man often thinks he rules himself, when all the while he is ruled and managed; and while his understanding directs one design, his affections imperceptibly draw him into another.

None but the contemptible are apprehensive of contempt.

Pride indemnifies itself and loses nothing even when it casts away vanity.

The great interests of man: air and light, the joy of having a body, the voluptuousness of looking.