We are almost always bored by just those whom we must not find boring.

High fortune makes both our virtues and vices stand out as objects that are brought clearly to view by the light.

Too great cleverness is but deceptive delicacy, true delicacy is the most substantial cleverness.

Being a blockhead is sometimes the best security against being cheated by a man of wit.

It is from a weakness and smallness of mind that men are opinionated; and we are very loath to believe what we are not able to comprehend.

The height of ability consists in a thorough knowledge of the real value of things, and of the genius of the age in which we live.

Second-rate minds usually condemn everything beyond their grasp.