By retaliating our sufferings on the heads of those we love, we get rid of a present uneasiness and incur lasting remorse. With the accomplishment of our revenge our fondness returns; so that we feel the injury we have done them, even more than they do.

From the height from which the great look down on the world all the rest of mankind seem equal.

Familiarity confounds all traits of distinction; interest and prejudice take away the power of judging.

I am then never less alone than when alone

Nothing is more unjust or capricious than public opinion.

If a person has no delicacy, he has you in his power.

It is easier taking the beaten path than making our way over bogs and precipices. The great difficulty in philosophy is to come to every question with a mind fresh and unshackled by former theories, though strengthened by exercise and information.