There is a kind of elevation which does not depend on fortune; it is a certain air which distinguishes us, and seems to destine us for great things; it is a price which we imperceptibly set upon ourselves.

One honor won is a surety for more.

In the presence of some people we inevitably depart From ourselves: we are inaccurate, we say things we do not feel, And talk nonsense. When we get home we are conscious that we Have made fools of ourselves. Never go near these people.

Time's chariot-wheels make their carriage-road in the fairest face.

Happiness is in the taste, and not in the things themselves; we are happy from possessing what we like, not from possessing what others like.

Conceit causes more conversation than wit.

The greatest part of our faults are more excusable than the methods that are commonly taken to conceal them.