There may be talent without position, but there is no position without some kind of talent.

It is often hard to determine whether a clear, open, and honorable proceeding is the result of goodness or of cunning.

Women know not the whole of their coquetry.

Happy people rarely correct their faults; they consider themselves vindicated, since fortune endorses their evil ways.

When fortune surprises us by giving us some great office without having gradually led us to expect it, or without having raised our hopes, it is well nigh impossible to occupy it well, and to appear worthy to fill it.

Consolation for unhappiness can often be found in a certain satisfaction we get from looking unhappy.

It is as common for tastes to change as it is uncommon for traits of character.