Passion often makes a fool of the cleverest man and often makes the most foolish men clever

Politeness of mind consists in thinking chaste and refined thoughts.

Though men are apt to flatter and exalt themselves with their great achievements, yet these are, in truth, very often owing not so much to design as chance.

The desire of talking of ourselves, and showing those faults we do not mind having seen, makes up a good part of our sincerity.

We do not like to praise, and seldom praise anyone without self-interest.

There are persons whose only merit consists in saying and doing stupid things at the right time, and who ruin all if they change their manners.

Never give anyone the advice to buy or sell shares, because the most benevolent price of advice can turn out badly.