Love, like fire, cannot subsist without constant impulse; it ceases to live from the moment it ceases to hope or to fear.

It is the habit of mediocre minds to condemn all that is beyond their grasp.

Men would not live in society long if they were not each others dupes.

Customary use of artifice is the sign of a small mind, and it almost always happens that he who uses it to cover one spot uncovers himself in another.

The intellect of the generality of women serves more to fortify their folly than their reason.

The name and pretense of virtue is as serviceable to self-interest as are real vices.

He is a truly virtuous man who wishes always to be open to the observation of honest men.