As one grows older, one becomes wiser and more foolish.

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.

Those who most obstinately oppose the most widely-held opinions more often do so because of pride than lack of intelligence. They find the best places in the right set already taken, and they do not want back seats.

We are all strong enough to bear other men's misfortunes.

There are few people more convinced of their own genius than those who complain of how stupid they are.

The shame that arises from praise which we do not deserve often makes us do things we should otherwise never have attempted.

Pride does not wish to owe and vanity does not wish to pay.