No one but yourself knows whether you are cowardly and cruel, or loyal and devout; others do not see you; they surmise you by uncertain conjectures; they perceive not so much your nature as your art.
Michel Eyquem de Montaigne Quotes
Everyone can play the mummer’s part, and represent an honest personage on the stage; but inwardly, within his own bosom, where all is permitted us, where all is concealed, to keep a duel role there, that’s the point.
Confidence in others’ honesty is no light testimony of one’s own integrity.
Few men have been admired by their own domestic servants.
When I play with my cat, who knows whether she isn’t amusing herself with me more than I am with her?
We do not correct the man we hang; we correct others by him.
An unattempted woman cannot boast of her chastity.
A learned person is not learned in everything; but the capable person is capable in everything, even in what he is ignorant of.
A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband.
There is nothing men more readily give themselves to than pushing their own beliefs. When ordinary means fail, they add commandment, violence, fire and sword.
