We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves.

Flattery is a kind of bad money, to which our vanity gives us currency.

We make promises to the extent that we hope-and keep them to the extent that we fear.

People are often vain of their passions, even of the worst, but envy is a passion so timid and shame-faced that no one ever dare avow her.

Imagination does not enable us to invent as many different contradictions as there are by nature in every heart.

Flattery is a base coin which is current only through our vanity.

Whatever discoveries we may have made in the regions of self-love, there still remain many unknown lands.