The understanding is always the dupe of the heart. Nothing is given so profusely as advice. The true way to be deceived is to think oneself more knowing than others. Usually we praise only to be praised. Our repentance is not so much regret for the ill we have done as fear of the ill that may happen to us in consequence.
Most people judge men only by success or by fortune.
20 Hypocrisy is the homage vice pays to virtue. Too great haste to repay an obligation is a kind of ingratitude. There is great ability in knowing how to conceal one's ability. The pleasure of love is in loving. We are happier in the passion we feel than in that we inspire.