It is sometimes necessary to play the fool to avoid being deceived by cunning men.

The vivacity that augments with years is not far from folly.

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

There are few occasions when we should make a bad bargain by giving up the good on condition that no ill was said of us.

Sincerity is a certain openness of heart. It is to be found in very few, and what we commonly look upon to be so is only a cunningsort of dissimulation, to insinuate ourselves into the confidence of others.

Gravity is a mysterious carriage of the body invented to cover the defects of the mind.

It is more difficult for a man to be faithful to his mistress when he is favored than when he is ill treated by her.