The secret of pleasing in conversation is not to explain too much everything; to say them half and leave a little for divination is a mark of the good opinion we have of others, and nothing flatters their self-love more.

High fortune makes both our virtues and vices stand out as objects that are brought clearly to view by the light.

The desire of appearing clever often prevents our becoming so.

Those that have had great passions esteem themselves for the rest of their lives fortunate and unfortunate in being cured of them.

We are all strong enough to bear other men's misfortunes.

There are bad people who would be less dangerous if they were quite devoid of goodness.

No man deserves to be praised for his goodness, who has it not in his power to be wicked. Goodness without that power is generally nothing more than sloth, or an impotence of will.