We arrive at the various stages of life quite as novices.

Ridicule dishonors a man more than dishonor does.

The height of ability consists in a thorough knowledge of the real value of things, and of the genius of the age in which we live.

We are nearer loving those who hate us than those who love us more than we wish.

We should scarcely desire things ardently if we were perfectly acquainted with what we desire.

What is called generosity is usually only the vanity of giving; we enjoy the vanity more than the thing given.

We often pay our debts not because it is only fair that we should, but to make future loans easier.