However glorious an action in itself, it ought not to pass for great if it be not the effect of wisdom and intention.

There is such a thing as a general revolution which changes the taste of men as it changes the fortunes of the world.

Even the most disinterested love is, after all, but a kind of bargain, in which self-love always proposes to be the gainer one wayor another.

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

People would never fall in love if they hadn't heard love talked about.

The measure of great men should always be measured by the means they have used to acquire it.

It is not always for virtue's sake that women are virtuous.