If virtue were its own reward, it would no longer be a human quality, but supernatural.

The character of false wit is that of appearing to depend only upon reason.

Nothing but courage can guide life.

Most people grow old within a small circle of ideas, which they have not discovered for themselves. There are perhaps less wrong-minded people than thoughtless.

The favorites of fortune or of fame topple from their pedestals before our eyes without diverting us from ambition.

No one is more liable to make mistakes than he who acts only on reflexion.

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.