Great authors, when they write about causes, adduce not only those they think are true but also those they do not believe in, provided they have some originality and beauty. They speak truly and usefully enough if they speak ingeniously.

When I play with my cat, who knows whether she is not amusing herself with me more than I with her.

When a Roman was returning from a trip, he used to send someone ahead to let his wife know, so as not to surprise her in the act.

Everyone calls barbarity what he is not accustomed to.

It costs an unreasonable woman no more to pass over one reason than another; they cherish themselves most where they are most wrong.

Those who give the first shock to a state are the first overwhelmed in its ruin; the fruits of public commotion are seldom enjoyed by him who was the first mover; he only beats the water for another's net.

Whenever a new discovery is reported to the world, they say first, It is probably not true, Then after, when the truth of the new proposition has been demonstrated beyond question, they say, Yes, it may be true, but it is not important. Finally, when sufficient time has elapsed to fully evidence its importance, they say, Yes, surely it is important, but it is no longer new.