Affected simplicity is a subtle imposture.

Perfect courage is to do without witnesses what one would be capable of doing with the world looking on.

Decency is the least of all laws, but yet it is the law which is most strictly observed.

Virtue would go far if vanity did not keep it company.

We often boast that we are never bored; but yet we are so conceited that we do not perceive how often we bore others.

There is a kind of elevation which does not depend on fortune; it is a certain air which distinguishes us, and seems to destine us for great things; it is a price which we imperceptibly set upon ourselves.

Few things are needful to make the wise man happy, but nothing satisfies the fool; - and this is the reason why so many of mankind are miserable.