Love and enthusiasm are always ridiculous, when not reciprocated by their objects.

A profound knowledge of life is the least enviable of all species of knowledge, because it can only be acquired by trials that make us regret the loss of our ignorance.

Praise is the only gift for which people are really grateful.

The future: A consolation for those who have no other.

Despotism subjects a nation to one tyrant; democracy, to many.

Reason dissipates the illusions of life, but does not console us for their departure.

People are always willing to follow advice when it accords with their own wishes.