To establish ourselves in the world, we have to do all we can to appear established. To succeed in the world, we do everything we can to appear successful.

We have not enough strength to follow all our reason.

Idiots and lunatics see only their own wit.

There are crimes which become innocent and even glorious through their splendor, number and excess.

There are reproaches which praise, and praises which defame.

A weak mind is the only defect out of our power to mend.

Instead of considering that the worst way to persuade or please others is to try thus strongly to please ourselves, and that to listen well and to answer well are some of the greatest charms we can have in conversation.