Flattery is a counterfeit money which, but for vanity, would have no circulation.

Decency is the least of all laws, but yet it is the law which is most strictly observed.

Happy people rarely correct their faults; they consider themselves vindicated, since fortune endorses their evil ways.

The trust that we put in ourselves makes us feel trust in others.

We are easily comforted for the misfortunes of our friends, when those misfortunes give us an occasion of expressing our affection and solicitude.

Numberless arts appear foolish whose secret motives are most wise and weighty.

Fortune makes our virtues and vices visible, just as light does the objects of sight.