The whole genius of an author consists in describing well, and delineating character well. Homer, Plato, Virgil, Horace only excel other writers by their expressions and images; we must indicate what is true if we mean to write naturally, forcibly and delicately.

The best thing next to wit is a consciousness that it is not in us; without wit, a man might then know how to behave himself, so as not to appear to be a fool or a coxcomb.

Envy and hatred go together. Mutually strengthened by the fact pursue the same object.

The spendthrift robs his heirs the miser robs himself.

An inconstant woman is one who is no longer in love; a false woman is one who is already in love with another person; a fickle woman is she who neither knows whom she loves nor whether she loves or not; and the indifferent woman, one who does not love at all.

Favor exalts a man above his equals, but his dismissal from that favor places him below them.

The great charm of conversation consists less in the display of one's own wit and intelligence than in the power to draw forth the resources of others.