The pleasure a man of honor enjoys in the consciousness of having performed his duty is a reward he pays himself for all his pains.

There are only two ways by which to rise in this world, either by one's own industry or by the stupidity of others.

Children enjoy the present because they have neither a past nor a future.

It is motive alone that gives real value to the actions of men, and disinterestedness puts the cap to it.

It is virtue which should determine us in the choice of our friends, without inquiring into their good or evil fortune.

Misers are neither relations, nor friends, nor citizens, nor Christians, nor perhaps even human beings.

The first day one is a guest, the second a burden, and the third a pest.