It is through madness that we hate an enemy, and think of revenging ourselves; and it is through indolence that we are appeased, and do not revenge ourselves.

Wit is the god of moments, but Genius is the god of ages.

The punishment of a criminal is an example to the rabble; but every decent man is concerned if an innocent person is condemned.

The great charm of conversation consists less in the display of one's own wit and intelligence than in the power to draw forth the resources of others.

A person's worth in this world is estimated according to the value he puts on himself.

Grief at the absence of a loved one is happiness compared to life with a person one hates.

He who can wait for what he desires takes the course not to be exceedingly grieved if he fails of it; he, on the contrary, who labors after a thing too impatiently thinks the success when it comes is not a recompense equal to all the pains he has been at about it.