A man's worth is estimated in this world according to his conduct.

Rarely do they appear great before their valets.

Duty is what goes most against the grain, because in doing that we do only what we are strictly obliged to, and are seldom much praised for it.

Life at court does not satisfy a man, but it keeps him from being satisfied with anything else.

There are some extraordinary fathers, who seem, during the whole course of their lives, to be giving their children reasons for being consoled at their death.

Politeness does not always inspire goodness, equity, complaisance, and gratitude; it gives at least the appearance of these qualities, and makes man appear outwardly, as he should be within.

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