We are more often treacherous, through weakness than through calculation.

We only confess our little faults to persuade people that we have no big ones.

Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers.

Usually we praise only to be praised.

What is called generosity is usually only the vanity of giving; we enjoy the vanity more than the thing given.

When our hatred is violent, it sinks us even beneath those we hate.

Humility is often a false front we employ to gain power over others.

Few people know how to be old.

As one grows older, one becomes wiser and more foolish.

Old age is a tyrant, who forbids, under pain of death, the pleasures of youth.