The fondness or indifference that the philosophers expressed for life was merely a preference inspired by their self-love, and will no more bear reasoning upon than the relish of the palate or the choice of colors.

Self-love, as it happens to be well or ill conducted, constitutes virtue and vice.

When great men permit themselves to be cast down by the continuance of misfortune, they show us that they were only sustained by ambition, and not by their mind; so that PLUS a great vanity, heroes are made like other men.

As love increases, prudence diminishes.

The sure way to be cheated is to think one's self more cunning than others.

Pride does not wish to owe and vanity does not wish to pay.

It is easier to know men in general, than men in particular.