It appears that nature has hid at the bottom of our hearts talents and abilities unknown to us. It is only the passions that have the power of bringing them to light, and sometimes give us views more true and more perfect than art could possibly do.

Honest people will respect us for our merit: the public, for our luck.

Strength and weakness of mind are misnomers; they are really nothing but the good or bad health of our bodily organs.

To think to be wise alone is a very great folly.

If one judges love by the majority of its effects, it is more like hatred than like friendship.

A woman is faithful to her first lover for a long time - unless she happens to take a second.

Consolation for unhappiness can often be found in a certain satisfaction we get from looking unhappy.