The violence we do to ourselves in order to remain faithful to the one we love is hardly better than an act of infidelity.

Confidence contributes more to conversation than wit.

To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation.

Love of fame, fear of disgrace, schemes for advancement, desire to make life comfortable and pleasant, and the urge to humiliate others are often at the root of the valour men hold in such high esteem.

No one can answer for his courage when he has never been in danger.

Perfect valour consists in doing without witnesses that which we would be capable of doing before everyone.

Perfect courage and utter cowardice are two extremes which rarely occur.

There is great ability in knowing how to conceal one's ability.

There are various sorts of curiosity; one is from interest, which makes us desire to know that which may be useful to us; and the other, from pride which comes from the wish to know what others are ignorant of.

Neither the sun nor death can be looked at steadily.