I look upon the too good opinion that man has of himself, as the nursing mother of all false opinions, both public and private.

We judge a horse not only by its pace on a racecourse, but also by its walk, nay, when resting in its stable.

There are few things on which we can pass a sincere judgement, because there are few things in which we have not, in one way or another, a particular interest.

To make a crooked stick straight, we bend it the contrary way.

There is no desire more natural than the desire of knowledge. (Il n'est desir plus naturel que le desir de connaissance)

Excellent memories are often coupled with feeble judgments.

Gentleness and repose are paramount to everything else in woman.