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.

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

As it is natural to believe many things without proof, so, despite all proof, is it natural to disbelieve others.

Our virtues are dearer to us the more we have had to suffer for them. It is the same with our children. All profound affection admits a sacrifice.

None are more liable to mistakes than those who act only on second thoughts.

Great men undertake great things because they are great; fools, because they think them easy.

We are less hurt by the contempt of fools than by the lukewarm approval of men of intelligence.