Praise is a more ingenious, concealed, and subtle kind of flattery, that satisfies both the giver and the receiver, though by verydifferent ways. The one accepts it as a reward due to his merit; the other gives it that he may be looked upon as a just and discerning person.
Francois de La RochefoucauldWe are always bored by the very people by whom it is vital not to be bored.
Francois de La RochefoucauldIn the misfortunes of our best friends we always find something not altogether displeasing to us.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld