We only acknowledge small faults in order to make it appear that we are free from great ones.

Some people resemble ballads which are only sung for a certain time.

It is sometimes a point of as much cleverness to know to make good use of advice from others as to be able give good advice to oneself.

The desire of appearing clever often prevents our becoming so.

It is not enough that we should succeed, but our friends must fail as well.

The most ingenious men continually pretend to condemn tricking--but this is often done that they may use it more conveniently themselves, when some great occasion or interest offers itself to them.

It is no tragedy to do ungrateful people favors, but it is unbearable to be indebted to a scoundrel.