When great men permit themselves to be cast down by the continuance of misfortune, they show us that they were only sustained by ambition, and not by their mind; so that plus a great vanity, heroes are made like other men.
We may forgive those who bore us, we can not forgive those whom we bore.
To praise good actions heartily is in some measure to take part in them.
There is a kind of greatness which does not depend upon fortune: it is a certain manner that distinguishes us, and which seems to destine us for great things: it is the value we insensibly set upon ourselves; it is by this quality that we gain the deference of other men, and it is this which commonly raises us more above them than birth, rank, or even merit itself.
The cause why the majority of women are so little given to friendship is, that it is insipid after having felt love.
Women can not be completely severe unless they hate.
The praise we give to new comers into the world arises from the envy we bear to those who are established.
Little minds are too much wounded by little things; great minds see all and are not even hurt.
Most young people think they are natural when they are only boorish and rude.
To establish ourselves in the world we do everything to appear as if we were established.