Laziness begat wearisomeness, and this put men in quest of diversions, play and company, on which however it is a constant attendant; he who works hard, has enough to do with himself otherwise.

The slave has but one master, the ambitious man has as many as there are persons whose aid may contribute to the advancement of his fortunes.

It is motive alone that gives real value to the actions of men, and disinterestedness puts the cap to it.

Eloquence is to the sublime what the whole is to the part.

A heap of epithets is poor praise: the praise lies in the facts, and in the way of telling them.

All men's misfortunes spring from their hatred of being alone.

Between good sense and good taste there lies the difference between a cause and its effect.