The judgments our enemies make about us come nearer to the truth than those we make about ourselves.

A wise man thinks it more advantageous not to join the battle than to win.

To safeguard one's health at the cost of too strict a diet is a tiresome illness, indeed.

A good woman is a hidden treasure; who discovers her will do well not to boast about it.

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

What is called generosity is usually only the vanity of giving; we enjoy the vanity more than the thing given.

The vices enter into the composition of the virtues, as poisons into that of medicines. Prudence collects and arranges them, and uses them beneficially against the ills of life.