Jealousy is in some measure just and reasonable, since it merely aims at keeping something that belongs to us or we think belongsto us, whereas envy is a frenzy that cannot bear anything that belongs to others.

What seems to be generosity is often no more than disguised ambition, which overlooks a small interest in order to secure a great one.

There are crimes which become innocent and even glorious through their splendor, number and excess.

Opportunity makes us known to others, but more to ourselves.

We do not like to praise, and seldom praise anyone without self-interest.

The desire which urges us to deserve praise strengthens our good qualities, and praise given to wit, valour, and beauty, tends to increase them.

We are never so happy, nor so unhappy, as we suppose ourselves to be.