Whatever distrust we may have of the sincerity of those who converse with us, we always believe they will tell us more truth than they do to others.

Politeness is a desire to be treated politely, and to be esteemed polite oneself.

Esteem never makes ingrates.

Those who are overreached by our cunning are far from appearing to us as ridiculous as we appear to ourselves when the cunning of others has overreached us.

Moderation cannot have the credit of combatiug and subduing ambition, they are never found together. Moderation is the languor and indolence of the soul, as ambition is its activity and ardor.

It is from a weakness and smallness of mind that men are opinionated; and we are very loath to believe what we are not able to comprehend.

Renewed friendships require more care than those that have never been broken.