What seems to be generosity is often no more than disguised ambition, which overlooks a small interest in order to secure a great one.

It is difficult to like those whom we do not esteem; but it is no less so to like those whom we esteem more than ourselves.

There is merit without rank, but there is no rank without some merit.

One forgives to the degree that one loves.

To praise great actions with sincerity may be said to be taking part in them.

There are several remedies which will cure love, but there are no infallible ones.

In all aspects of life, we take on a part and an appearance to seem to be what we wish to be--and thus the world is merely composed of actors.