We do not lack strength so much as the will to use it; and very often our imagining that things are impossible is nothing but an excuse of our own contriving, to reconcile ourselves to our own idleness.

The praise we give to new comers into the world arises from the envy we bear to those who are established.

Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers.

We should only affect compassion, and carefully avoid having any.

We do not wish ardently for what we desire only through reason.

The desire of appearing clever often prevents our becoming so.

To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation.