All men are born truthful and die liars.

If passion sometimes counsels greater boldness than does reflection, it gives more strength to execute it.

We are so presumptuous that we think we can separate our personal interest from that of humanity, and slander mankind without compromising ourselves.

We can love with all our hearts those in whom we recognize great faults. It would be impertinent to believe that perfection alone has the right to please us; sometimes our weaknesses attach us to each other as much as our virtues.

When we feel that we lack whatever is needed to secure someone else's esteem, we are very close to hating him

Despair exaggerates not only our misery but also our weakness.

We can console ourselves for not having great talents as we console ourselves for not having great places. We can be above both in our hearts.