It is with true love as it is with ghosts; everyone talks about it, but few have seen it.

A man of understanding finds less difficulty in submitting to a wrong-headed fellow, than in attempting to set him right.

To establish oneself in the world, one does all one can to seem established there already.

Selfishness is the grand moving principle of nine-tenths of our actions.

A lofty mind always thinks nobly, it easily creates vivid, agreeable, and natural fancies, places them in their best light, clothes them with all appropriate adornments, studies others' tastes, and clears away from its own thoughts all that is useless and disagreeable.

Love of fame, fear of disgrace, schemes for advancement, desire to make life comfortable and pleasant, and the urge to humiliate others are often at the root of the valour men hold in such high esteem.

Good taste comes more from the judgment than from the mind.