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

Reconciliation with our enemies is simply a desire to better our condition, a weariness of war, or the fear of some unlucky thing from occurring.

Some reproaches praise; some praises reproach.

Every one speaks well of his own heart, but no one dares speak well of his own mind.

Taste may change, but inclination never.

The secret of pleasing in conversation is not to explain too much everything; to say them half and leave a little for divination is a mark of the good opinion we have of others, and nothing flatters their self-love more.

We should not be upset that others hide the truth from us, when we hide it so often from ourselves.