A man for whom accident discovers sense, is not a rational being. A man only is so who understands, who distinguishes, who tests it.

We often credit ourselves with vices the reverse of what we have, thus when weak we boast of our obstinacy.

Youth is a perpetual intoxication; it is a fever of the mind.

The courage of a great many men, and the virtue of a great many women, are the effect of vanity, shame, and especially a suitabletemperament.

Love, like fire, cannot subsist without constant impulse; it ceases to live from the moment it ceases to hope or to fear.

Sincerity is an openness of heart; we find it in very few people; what we usually see is only an artful dissimulation to win the confidence of others.

The intention of never deceiving often exposes us to deception.