There are some faults which, when well managed, make a greater figure than virtue itself.

The pleasure of love is in loving; we are happier in the passion we feel than in what we inspire.

Moderation is a fear of falling into that envy and contempt which those who grow giddy with their good fortune quite justly draw upon themselves. It is a vain boasting of the greatness of our mind.

Our aversion to lying is commonly a secret ambition to make what we say considerable, and have every word received with a religious respect.

What makes lovers never tire of one another is that they talk always about themselves.

A lofty mind always thinks nobly, it easily creates vivid, agreeable, and natural fancies, places them in their best light, clothes them with all appropriate adornments, studies others' tastes, and clears away from its own thoughts all that is useless and disagreeable.

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