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.

La vengeance est un plat qui se mange froid

A man enjoys the happiness he feels, a woman the happiness she gives.

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

It has become necessary for me to have this woman, so as to save myself from the ridicule of being in love with her: for to what lengths will a man not be driven by thwarted desire?

Humanity is not perfect in any fashion; no more in the case of evil than in that of good. The criminal has his virtues, just as the honest man has his weaknesses.

How characteristic of your perverse heart that longs only for what happens to be out of reach.