What we call generosity is for the most part only the vanity of giving; and we exercise it because we are more fond of that vanity than of the thing we give.

One is never as happy or as unhappy as one thinks.

Not all those who know their minds know their hearts as well.

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.

However evil men may be they dare not be openly hostile to virtue, and so when they want to attack it they pretend to find it spurious , or impute crimes to it.

There is an excess both in happiness and misery above our power of sensation.

Some men are so full of themselves that when they fall in love, they amuse themselves rather with their own passion than with theperson they love.