Old people are fond of giving good advice; it consoles them for no longer being capable of setting a bad example.

Narrow minds think nothing right that is above their own capacity.

A man is sometimes better off deceived about the one he loves, than undeceived.

A great many men's gratitude is nothing but a secret desire to hook in more valuable kindnesses hereafter.

The vices enter into the composition of the virtues, as poisons into that of medicines. Prudence collects and arranges them, and uses them beneficially against the ills of life.

To establish oneself in the world, one does all one can to seem established there already.

The person giving the advice returns the confidence placed in him with a disinterested eagerness... and he is usually guided only by his own interest or reputation.