The praise we give to new comers into the world arises from the envy we bear to those who are established.

It is easier to know men in general, than men in particular.

Some reproaches praise; some praises reproach.

As uncommon a thing as true love is, it is yet easier to find than true friendship.

We seldom find people ungrateful so long as it is thought we can serve them.

The contempt of riches in philosophers was only a hidden desire to avenge their merit upon the injustice of fortune, by despising the very goods of which fortune had deprived them; it was a secret to guard themselves against the degradation of poverty, it was a back way by which to arrive at that distinction which they could not gain by riches.

The head does not know how to play the part of the heart for long.