A man is ridiculous less through the characteristics he has than through those he affects to have.

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.

Humility is the worst form of conceit.

Men's happiness and misery depends altogether as much upon their own humor as it does upon fortune.

We give advice, we do not inspire conduct.

The height of ability in the least able consists in knowing how to submit to the good leadership of others.

Bodily labor alleviates the pains of the mind and from this arises the happiness of the poor