Satire is at once the most agreeable and most dangerous of mental qualities. It always pleases when it is refined, but we always fear those who use it too much; yet satire should be allowed when unmixed with spite, and when the person satirized can join in the satire.

It is easier for a man to be thought fit for an employment that he has not, than for one he stands already possessed of, and is exercising.

Hatred is stronger than friendship.

In all professions each affects a look and an exterior to appear what he wishes the world to believe that he is. Thus we may say that the whole world is made up of appearances.

There are various sorts of curiosity; one is from interest, which makes us desire to know that which may be useful to us; and the other, from pride which comes from the wish to know what others are ignorant of.

We pardon as long as we love.

In the misfortunes of our best friends we always find something not altogether displeasing to us.