Tricks and treachery are merely proofs of lack of skill.

Folly pursues us at all periods of our lives. If someone seems wise it is only because his follies are proportionate to his age and fortune.

Cunning and treachery are the offspring of incapacity.

Instead of considering that the worst way to persuade or please others is to try thus strongly to please ourselves, and that to listen well and to answer well are some of the greatest charms we can have in conversation.

Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.

It takes more strength of character to withstand good fortune than bad.

Satire is at once the most agreeable and most dangerous of mental qualities. It always pleases when it is refined, but we always fear those who use it too much; yet satire should be allowed when unmixed with spite, and when the person satirized can join in the satire.