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.

When the philosophers despised riches, it was because they had a mind to vindicate their own merit, and take revenge upon the injustice of fortune by vilifying those enjoyments which she had not given them.

High fortune makes both our virtues and vices stand out as objects that are brought clearly to view by the light.

Minds of moderate caliber ordinarily condemn everthing which is beyond their range.

We should scarcely desire things ardently if we were perfectly acquainted with what we desire.

For most men the love of justice is only the fear of suffering injustice.

Passion often makes fools of the wisest men and gives the silliest wisdom.