The weak-minded man is the slave of his vices and the dupe of his virtues.

Age whitens hairs, but not sin.

Every generous illusion of youth leaves a wrinkle as it departs. Experience is the successive disenchanting of the things of life; it is reason enriched with the heart's spoils.

Public opinion is a courtesan, whom we seek to please without respecting.

Adversity, which makes us indulgent to others, renders them severe towards us.

There is certainly no beauty on earth which exceeds the natural loveliness of woman.

Genius, like a torch, shines less in the broad daylight of the present than in the night of the past.