Nothing is so capable of diminishing self-love as the observation that we disapprove at one time what we approve at another.

We often credit ourselves with vices the reverse of what we have, thus when weak we boast of our obstinacy.

The reason we do not let our friends see the very bottom of our hearts is not so much distrust of them as distrust of ourselves.

If we did not have pride, we would not complain of it in others.

There are no circumstances, however unfortunate, that clever people do not extract some advantage from.

The desire to be thought clever often prevents a man from becoming so.

Youth is a continual intoxication; it is the fever of reason.