Praise is flattery, artful, hidden, delicate, which gratifies differently him who praises and him who is praised. The one takes it as the reward of merit, the other bestows it to show his impartiality and knowledge.

If we resist our passions, it is more due to their weakness than our strength.

There are some faults which, when well managed, make a greater figure than virtue itself.

It is easier to appear worthy of a position one does not hold, than of the office which one fills.

The most clever and polite are content with only seeming attentive while we perceive in their mind and eyes that at the very time they are wandering from what is said and desire to return to what they want to say.

The praise we give to new comers into the world arises from the envy we bear to those who are established.

The moderation of people in prosperity is the effect of a smooth and composed temper, owing to the calm of their good fortune.