To possess a good cognomen is a long way on the road of success in life.

It is commonly supposed that the art of pleasing is a wonderful aid in the pursuit of fortune; but the art of being bored is infinitely more successful.

The philosopher who would fain extinguish his passions resembles the chemist who would like to let his furnace go out.

Covetousness is a sort of mental gluttony, not confined to money, but craving honor, and feeding on selfishness.

People are governed by the head; a kind heart is of little value in chess.

We take our colors, chameleon-like, from each other.

His passions make man live, his wisdom merely makes him last.