It is sometimes necessary to play the fool to avoid being deceived by cunning men.

There are people who in spite of their merit disgust us and others who please us in spite of their faults.

Heat of blood makes young people change their inclinations often, and habit makes old ones keep to theirs a great while.

Nothing is more ridiculous in old people that were once good-looking, than to forget that they are not so still.

The height of ability consists in a thorough knowledge of the real value of things, and of the genius of the age in which we live.

There are few people more convinced of their own genius than those who complain of how stupid they are.

Great souls are not those who have fewer passions and more virtues than others, but only those who have greater designs.