The common excuse for those bringing misfortune on others is that they desire their good.

Men dissimulate their dearest, most constant, and most virtuous inclination from weakness and a fear of being condemned.

Magnanimity will not consider the prudence of its motives.

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

Men are not to be judged by what they do not know, but by what they know, and by the manner in which they know it.

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

There is nothing that fear and hope does not permit men to do.