Our merit gains us the esteem of the virtuous-our star that of the public.

There is such a thing as a general revolution which changes the taste of men as it changes the fortunes of the world.

We are better pleased to see those on whom we confer benefits than those from whom we receive them.

Smallness of mind is the cause of stubbornness, and we do not credit readily what is beyond our view.

The breeding we give young people is ordinarily but an additional self-love, by which we make them have a better opinion of themselves.

Being a blockhead is sometimes the best security against being cheated by a man of wit.

The moderation of men in the most exalted fortunes is a desire to be thought above those things that have raised them so high.