Of lies, false modesty is the most decent.
Society is divided into two classes, the shearers and the shorn.
The most wasted day of all is that on which we have not laughed.
Intelligent people make many mistakes because they cannot believe the world is really as foolish as it is.
It must be admitted that there are some parts of the soul which we must entirely paralyse before we can live happily in this world.
It is passion that makes man live; wisdom makes one only last.
Contemplation often makes life miserable. We should act more, think less, and stop watching ourselves live.
There some trifles well habited, as there are some fools well clothed.
We need to be just before we are generous, as we need shirts before ruffles.
There are two things that one must get used to or one will find life unendurable: the damages of time and injustices of men.
Pleasure can be supported by an illusion; but happiness rests upon truth.
Love is more pleasant than marriage for the same reason that novels are more amusing than history.
Pleasure may come from illusion, but happiness can come only of reality.
Do you think that revolutions are made with rose water?
I have three kinds of friends: those who love me, those who pay no attention to me, and those who detest me.
When a man and a woman have an overwhelming passion for each other, it seems to me, in spite of such obstacles dividing them as parents or husband, that they belong to each other in the name of Nature, and are lovers by Divine right, in spite of human convention or the laws.
A person of intellect without energy added to it, is a failure.
Do not suppose opportunity will knock twice at your door.
Contact with the world either breaks or hardens the heart.
Marriage, as practised by high society, is arranged indecency.