It is more offensive to outshine in dignity than in personal attractions.

Every fool stands convinced; and everyone convinced is a fool. The faultier a person's judgement the firmer their convictions.

A bad manner spoils everything, even reason and justice; a good one supplies everything, gilds a No, sweetens a truth, and adds a touch of beauty to old age itself.

Do not commit yourself to anybody or anything, for that is to be a slave, a slave to every man Above all, keep yourself free of commitments and obligations - they are the device of another to get you into his power

The things we remember best are those better forgotten.

Never open the door to a lesser evil, for other and greater ones invariably slink in after it.

Folly consists not in committing Folly, but in being incapable of concealing it. All men make mistakes, but the wise conceal the blunders they have made, while fools make them public. Reputation depends more on what is hidden than on what is seen. If you can’t be good, be careful.