A man, in order to establish himself in the world, does everything he can to appear established there.

There is a form of eminence which does not depend on fate; it is an air which sets us apart and seems to prtend great things; it is the value which we unconsciously attach to ourselves; it is the quality which wins us deference of others; more than birth, position, or ability, it gives us ascendance.

The generality of friends puts us out of conceit with friendship; just as the generality of religious people puts us out of conceit with religion.

What renders us so changeable in our friendship is, that it is difficult to know the qualities of the soul, but easy to know those of the mind.

We are never so happy, nor so unhappy, as we suppose ourselves to be.

We think very few people sensible, except those who are of our opinion.

Extreme boredom provides its own antidote.