Many people who pretend to be very busy have the least to do.

The more merit, the less affection.

Politeness and a sense of honor have this advantage: we bestow them on others without losing a thing.

You have to appear wiser and more prudent than is required by the people you are dealing with if you want to give a high opinion of yourself.

You should avoid making yourself too clear even in your explanations.

It is therefore an excellent device to acquire knowledge from everybody.

A person of your century: Great persons are of their time. Not all were born into a period worthy of them, and many so born failed to benefit by it. Some merited a better century, for all that is good does not always triumph. Fashions have their periods and even the greatest virtues, their styles. But the philosopher, being ageless, has one advantage: Should this not prove the right century, many to follow will.