Envy is more incapable of reconciliation than hatred is.

Pity is a sense of our own misfortunes in those of another man; it is a sort of foresight of the disasters which may befall ourselves. We assist others,, in order that they may assist us on like occasions; so that the services we offer to the unfortunate are in reality so many anticipated kindnesses to ourselves.

A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire.

To praise princes for virtues they do not possess is to insult them without fear of consequences.

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.

There is at least as much eloquence in the voice, eyes, and air of a speaker as in his choice of words.

There is no better proof of a man's being truly good than his desiring to be constantly under the observation of good men.