Instead of considering that the worst way to persuade or please others is to try thus strongly to please ourselves, and that to listen well and to answer well are some of the greatest charms we can have in conversation.

A man often believes himself leader when he is led; as his mind endeavors to reach one goal, his heart insensibly drags him towards another.

In growing old, we become more foolish - and more wise.

Our good qualities expose us more to hatred and persecution than all the ill we do.

If we are incapable of finding peace in ourselves, it is pointless to search elsewhere.

Idiots and lunatics see only their own wit.

We arrive at the various stages of life quite as novices.