We sometimes imagine we hate flattery, but we only hate the way we are flattered.

Sincerity is an openness of heart; we find it in very few people; what we usually see is only an artful dissimulation to win the confidence of others.

We would rather see those to whom we do good, than those who do good to us.

All women seem by nature to be coquettes.

There is no disguise which can hide love for long where it exists, or simulate it where it does not.

The only security is courage.

How can we be answerable for what we shall want in the future, since we have no clear idea of what we want now?