We cannot render benefits to those from whom we receive them, or only seldom. But the benefits we receive must be rendered again line for line, deed for deed to somebody.

There are minds so impatient of inferiority that their gratitude is a species of revenge, and they return benefits, not because recompense is a pleasure, but because obligation is a pain.

Pride does not wish to owe, and self-love does not wish to pay.

Too great an eagerness to discharge an obligation is a species of ingratitude.

We are nearer loving those who hate us than those who owe us more than we wish.

A refined nature is vexed by knowing that some one owes it thanks, a coarse nature by knowing that it owes thanks to some one.

Benefits received are a delight to us as long as we think we can requite them; when that possibility is far exceeded, they are repaid with hatred instead of gratitude.

The soil in return for her service keeps the tree tied to her, the sky asks nothing and leaves it free.