The sure way to be cheated is to think one's self more cunning than others.

It is easier to rule others than to keep from being ruled oneself.

Our merit gains us the esteem of the virtuous-our star that of the public.

If one acts rightly and honestly, it is difficult to decide whether it is the effect of integrity or skill.

What renders other people's vanity insufferable is that it wounds our own.

The best way to rise in society is to use all possible means of persuading people that one has already risen in society.

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