People are more slanderous from vanity than from malice.

I always say to myself, what is the most important thing we can think about at this extraordinary moment.

The most brilliant fortunes are often not worth the littleness required to gain them.

Some crimes get honor and renown by being committed with more pomp, by a greater number, and in a higher degree of wickedness thanothers. Hence it is that public robberies, plunderings, and sackings have been looked upon as excellencies and noble achievements, and the seizing of whole countries, however unjustly and barbarously, is dignified with the glorious name of gaining conquests.

Affected simplicity is a subtle imposture.

There are people who, like new songs, are in vogue only for a time.

The heart is forever making the head its fool.