The boldest stroke and best act of friendship is not to disclose our own failings to a friend, but to show him his own.

Our aversion to lying is commonly a secret ambition to make what we say considerable, and have every word received with a religious respect.

It is almost always a fault of one who loves not to realize when he ceases to be loved.

The extreme delight we experience in talking about ourselves should warn us that those who listen do not share it.

When fortune surprises us by giving us some great office without having gradually led us to expect it, or without having raised our hopes, it is well nigh impossible to occupy it well, and to appear worthy to fill it.

We can be more clever than one, but not more clever than all.

What makes lovers never tire of one another is that they talk always about themselves.