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

There is what is called the highway to posts and honor, and there is a cross and by way, which is much the shortest.

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

False modesty is the masterpiece of vanity: showing the vain man in such an illusory light that he appears in the reputation of the virtue quite opposite to the vice which constitutes his real character; it is a deceit.

An assembly of the states, a court of justice, shows nothing so serious and grave as a table of gamesters playing very high; a melancholy solicitude clouds their looks; envy and rancor agitate their minds while the meeting lasts, without regard to friendship, alliances, birth or distinctions.

The flatterer does not think highly enough of himself or of others.

All men's misfortunes spring from their hatred of being alone.