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

Sincerity is a certain openness of heart. It is to be found in very few, and what we commonly look upon to be so is only a cunningsort of dissimulation, to insinuate ourselves into the confidence of others.

Friendship is only a reciprocal conciliation of interests, and an exchange of good offices; it is a species of commerce out of which self-love always expects to gain something.

Some weak people are so sensible of their weakness as to be able to make a good use of it.

Many people despise wealth, but few know how to give it away.

We acknowledge that we should not talk of our wives; but we seem not to know that we should talk still less of ourselves.

The only good imitations are those that poke fun at bad originals.