The only thing that should surprise us is that there are still some things that can surprise us.

He who lives without folly isn't so wise as he thinks.

We are never so ridiculous through what we are as through what we pretend to be.

The applause we give those who are new to society often proceeds from a secret envying of those already established.

Silence is the best tactic for he who distrusts himself.

The older a fool is, the worse he is.

A lofty mind always thinks nobly, it easily creates vivid, agreeable, and natural fancies, places them in their best light, clothes them with all appropriate adornments, studies others' tastes, and clears away from its own thoughts all that is useless and disagreeable.