Activity makes more men's fortunes than cautiousness.

The law cannot equalize mankind in spite of nature.

Men despise great projects when they do not feel themselves capable of great successes.

Our failings sometimes bind us to one another as closely as could virtue itself.

Despair is the greatest of our errors.

Reason deceives us more often than does nature.

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.