Those that have had great passions esteem themselves for the rest of their lives fortunate and unfortunate in being cured of them.

There is something to be said for jealousy, because it only designs the preservation of some good which we either have or think wehave a right to. But envy is a raging madness that cannot bear the wealth or fortune of others.

There are some good marriages, but practically no delightful ones.

Those who occupy their minds with small matters, generally become incapable of greatness.

It is only persons of firmness that can have real gentleness. Those who appear gentle are, in general, only a weak character, which easily changes into asperity.

The duration of our passions is no more dependent on ourselves than the duration of our lives.

Boredom ... causes us to neglect more duties than does interest.