Servitude debases men to the point where they end up liking it.

Whatever affection we have for our friends or relations, the happiness of others never suffices for our own.

Everyone is born sincere and dies deceivers.

You can purchase the mind of Pascal for a crown. Pleasures even cheaper are sold to those who give themselves up to them. It is only luxuries and objects of caprice that are rare and difficult to obtain; unfortunately they are the only things that touch the curiosity and taste of ordinary men.

Some are born to invent, others to embellish; but the gilder attracts more attention than the architect.

Patience is the art of hoping.

All erroneous ideas would perish of their own accord if given clear expression.