Nobody is exempt from saying stupid things, the harm is to do it presumptuously.

The beginnings of all things are weak and tender. We must therefore be clear-sighted in the beginnings, for, as in their budding we discern not the danger, so in their full growth we perceive not the remedy.

I turn my gaze inward. I fix it there and keep it busy. I look inside myself. I continually observe myself.

The most regular and most perfect soul in the world has but too much to do to keep itself upright from being overthrown by its own weakness.

The general order of things that takes care of fleas and moles also takes care of men, if they will have the same patience that fleas and moles have, to leave it to itself.

Marriage has, for its share, usefulness, justice, honour, and constancy; a stale but more durable pleasure. Love is grounded on pleasure alone, and it is indeed more gratifying to the senses, keener and more acute; a pleasure stirred and kept alive by difficulties. There must be a sting and a smart in it. It ceases to be love if it has no shafts and no fire.

A little of everything and nothing thoroughly, after the French fashion.