The art of putting into play mediocre qualities often begets more reputation than is achieved by true merit.

In infants, levity is a prettiness; in men a shameful defect; but in old age, a monstrous folly.

The measure of great men should always be measured by the means they have used to acquire it.

None but great men are capable of having great flaws.

There are two things which Man cannot look at directly without flinching: the sun and death.

The constancy of the wise is only the talent of concealing the agitation of their hearts.

Good taste comes more from the judgment than from the mind.