Prudence and love are inconsistent; in proportion as the last increases, the other decreases.

Pity is a sense of our own misfortunes in those of another man; it is a sort of foresight of the disasters which may befall ourselves. We assist others,, in order that they may assist us on like occasions; so that the services we offer to the unfortunate are in reality so many anticipated kindnesses to ourselves.

Whatever pretended causes we may blame our afflictions upon, it is often nothing but self-interest and vanity that produce them.

Self-love increases or diminishes for us the good qualities of our friends, in proportion to the satisfaction we feel with them; and we judge of their merit by the manner in which they act towards us.

A small degree of wit, accompanied by good sense, is less tiresome in the long run than a great amount of wit without it.

Weak people cannot be sincere.

A man is perhaps ungrateful, but often less chargeable with ingratitude than his benefactor is.