It seems that nature, which has so wisely disposed our bodily organs with a view to our happiness, has also bestowed on us pride, to spare us the pain of being aware of our imperfections.

Envy is more irreconcilable than hatred.

Great souls are not those who have fewer passions and more virtues than others, but only those who have greater designs.

Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers.

The moderation of people in prosperity is the effect of a smooth and composed temper, owing to the calm of their good fortune.

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.

Being a blockhead is sometimes the best security against being cheated by a man of wit.