Some disguised deceits counterfeit truth so perfectly that not to be taken in by them would be an error of judgment.

Pride, which inspires us with so much envy, is sometimes of use toward the moderating of it too.

The more one loves a mistress, the more one is ready to hate her.

There are certain people fated to be fools; they not only commit follies by choice, but are even constrained to do so by fortune.

Gratitude, in most men, is only a strong and secret hope of greater favors.

If we did not flatter ourselves, the flattery of others could never harm us.

It is impossible to love a second time what we have really ceased to love.