Imagination could never invent the number of different contradictions that exist innately in each person's heart.

Everyone agrees that a secret should be kept intact, but everyone does not agree as to the nature and importance of secrecy. Too often we consult ourselves as to what we should say, what we should leave unsaid. There are few permanent secrets, and the scruple against revealing them will not last forever.

Moderation is like sobriety: you would like to have some more, but are afraid of making yourself ill.

In love the deceit generally outstrips the distrust.

Whatever discoveries we may have made in the regions of self-love, there still remain many unknown lands.

Almost everyone takes pleasure in repaying trifling obligations, very many feel gratitude for those that are moderate; but there is scarcely anyone who is not ungrateful for those that are weighty.

Bravery in simple soldiers is a dangerous trade, to which they have bound themselves to get their livelihood.