We often persuade ourselves to love people who are more powerful than we are, yet interest alone produces our friendship; we do not give our hearts away for the good we wish to do, but for that we expect to receive.

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

Too great haste to repay an obligation is a kind of ingratitude.

When our vices leave us, we like to imagine it is we who are leaving them.

Some disguised deceits counterfeit truth so perfectly that not to be taken in by them would be an error of judgment.

There is a kind of elevation which does not depend on fortune; it is a certain air which distinguishes us, and seems to destine us for great things; it is a price which we imperceptibly set upon ourselves.

It is sometimes a point of as much cleverness to know to make good use of advice from others as to be able give good advice to oneself.