We like to know the weakness of eminent persons; it consoles us for our inferiority.

Simplicity is oftenest an adroit pretence.

The most necessary disposition to relish pleasures is to know how to be without them.

Perfect friendship puts us under the necessity of being virtuous. As it can only be preserved among estimable persons, it forces us to resemble them. You find in friendship the surety of good counsel, the emulation of good example, sympathy in our griefs, succor in our distress.

We can easily forgive want of means; but littleness, with means, is disgusting.

Would you be esteemed? Live with persons that are estimable.

The first rule for speaking well is to think well.