There is merit without rank, but there is no rank without some merit.

What we take for virtue is often nothing but an assemblage of different actions, and of different interests, that fortune or our industry knows how to arrange.

We acknowledge that we should not talk of our wives; but we seem not to know that we should talk still less of ourselves.

Moderation in people who are contented comes from that calm that good fortune lends to their spirit.

A man is ridiculous less through the characteristics he has than through those he affects to have.

To be a great man it is necessary to turn to account all opportunities.

The man whom no one pleases is much more unhappy than the man who pleases no one.