As soon as an opinion becomes common it is sufficient reason for men to abandon it and to uphold the opposite opinion until that in its turn grows old, and they require to distinguish themselves by other things. Thus if they attain their goal in some art or science, we must expect them soon to cast it aside to acquire some fresh fame, and this is partly the reason why the most splendid ages degenerate so quickly, and, scarcely emerged from barbarism, plunge into it again.

Prosperity makes few friends.

We often quarrel with the unfortunate to get rid of pitying them.

All grand thoughts come from the heart.

The wicked are always surprised to find that the good can be clever.

The law cannot equalize mankind in spite of nature.

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