I am astonished at the pleasure one experiences in doing good; and I should be tempted to believe that what we call virtuous people have not so much merit as they lead us to suppose.

I can see that you're in love, but only in a very narrow sense. It's the love of someone that finds charms and qualities in a woman that she doesn't actually have, who puts her in a class apart with every one else in second place, and who stays attached to her even while he's abusing her.

...it is not for the illusion of a moment to govern the choice of a lifetime.

Don't you remember that love, like medicine, is only the art of encouraging nature?

All publicity is good publicity.

It was there, in particular, that I confirmed the truth that love, which we cry up as the source of our pleasures, is nothing more than an excuse for them.

I see you are already as timid as a slave: you might as well be in love.