Self-love makes us deceive ourselves in almost all matters, to censure others, and to blame them for the same faults that we do not correct in ourselves; we do this either because we are unaware of the evil that exists within us, or because we always see our own evil disguised as a good.
Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de SableAll the great amusements are dangerous for the Christian life.
Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de SableAlthough we should not love our friends for the good that they do us, it is a sign that they do not love us much if they do not do us good when they have the power to do so.
Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de SableIt is a very common failing, never to be pleased with our fortune nor displeased with our character.
Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de SableIt is a singular characteristic of love that we cannot hide it where it exists, or pretend it where it does not exist.
Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de SableOne cannot always bestow all manner of things upon everybody. To refuse a request for just cause is as praiseworthy as to grant a request that is worthy. It is for this reason that the "no" of some people pleases more than the "yes" of others. A refusal accompanied by sweet words and a civil manner gives more satisfaction to a true heart than a favor given with bad grace.
Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable