The most important things must be said simply, for they are spoiled by bombast; whereas trivial things must be described grandly, for they are supported only by aptness of expression, tone and manner.

They who, without any previous knowledge of us, think amiss of us, do us no harm; they attack not us, but the phantom of their own imagination.

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 often easier as well as more advantageous to conform to other men's opinions than to bring them over to ours.

To forget someone means to think of him.

The finest pleasure is kindness to others.

A well-born man is fortunate, but so is the man about whom people no longer ask, 'is he well-born?'