Solemnity is a device of the body to hide the faults of the mind.

The best way to rise in society is to use all possible means of persuading people that one has already risen in society.

Our probity is not less at the mercy of fortune than our property.

Pity is a sense of our own misfortunes in those of another man; it is a sort of foresight of the disasters which may befall ourselves. We assist others,, in order that they may assist us on like occasions; so that the services we offer to the unfortunate are in reality so many anticipated kindnesses to ourselves.

We are almost always bored by just those whom we must not find boring.

Numberless arts appear foolish whose secret motives are most wise and weighty.

A man would rather say evil of himself than say nothing.