If it be usual to be strongly impressed by things that are scarce, why are we so little impressed by virtue?

The exact contrary of what is generally believed is often the truth.

Let us not complain against men because otheir rudeness, their ingratitude, their injustice, their arrogance, their love oself, their forgetfulness oothers. They are so made. Such is their nature.

Avoid making yourself the subject of conversation.

A man unattached and without wife, if he have any genius at all, may raise himself above his original position, may mingle with the world of fashion, and hold himself on a level with the highest; this is less easy for him who is engaged; it seems as if marriage put the whole world in their proper rank.

You think him to be your dupe; if he feigns to be so who is the greater dupe, he or you?

Envy and hatred go together. Mutually strengthened by the fact pursue the same object.