Flattery is a base coin which is current only through our vanity.

To establish ourselves in the world, we have to do all we can to appear established. To succeed in the world, we do everything we can to appear successful.

We often pay our debts not because it is only fair that we should, but to make future loans easier.

It is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible.

What is called generosity is usually only the vanity of giving; we enjoy the vanity more than the thing given.

We have not strength enough to follow our reason so far as it would carry us.

It is worth nothing to be young without being beautiful, nor to be beautiful without being young.