There are certain people fated to be fools; they not only commit follies by choice, but are even constrained to do so by fortune.

All men are equally proud. The only difference is that not all take the same methods of showing it.

Avarice often produces opposite results: there are an infinite number of persons who sacrifice their property to doubtful and distant expectations; others mistake great future advantages for small present interests.

All our qualities, whether good or bad, are unstable and ambiguous, and almost all are at the mery of chance.

A man often believes himself leader when he is led; as his mind endeavors to reach one goal, his heart insensibly drags him towards another.

Ridicule dishonours more than dishonour.

Some good qualities are like the senses: Those who are entirely deprived of them can have no notion of them.