The love of new acquaintance comes not so much from being weary of what we had before, or from any satisfaction there is in change, as from the distaste we feel in being too little admired by those that know us too well, and the hope of being more admired by those that know us less.

It is only persons of firmness that can have real gentleness. Those who appear gentle are, in general, only a weak character, which easily changes into asperity.

Those who most obstinately oppose the most widely-held opinions more often do so because of pride than lack of intelligence. They find the best places in the right set already taken, and they do not want back seats.

There are few occasions when we should make a bad bargain by giving up the good on condition that no ill was said of us.

Moderation is like sobriety: you would like to have some more, but are afraid of making yourself ill.

Men give away nothing so liberally as their advice.

Listening well and answering well is one of the greatest perfections that can be obtained in conversation.