If men wish to be held in esteem, they must associate with those only who are estimable.

The pleasure of criticizing takes away from us the pleasure of being moved by some very fine things.

False glory is the rock of vanity; it seduces men to affect esteem by things which they indeed possess, but which are frivolous, and which for a man to value himself on would be a scandalous error.

The spendthrift robs his heirs the miser robs himself.

Eminent station makes great men more great, and little ones less.

There are certain things in which mediocrity is not to be endured, such as poetry, music, painting, public speaking.

Caprice in woman is the antidote to beauty.