A wise man is not governed by others, nor does he try to govern them; he prefers that reason alone prevail.

The noblest deeds are well enough set forth in simple language; emphasis spoils them.

Languages are the keys of science.

Some young people do not sufficiently understand the advantages of natural charms, and how much they would gain by trusting to them entirely. They weaken these gifts of heaven, so rare and fragile, by affected manners and an awkward imitation. Their tones and their gait are borrowed; they study their attitudes before the glass until they have lost all trace of natural manner, and, with all their pains, they please but little.

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.

We should laugh before being happy, for fear of dying without having laughed.

The shortest and best way to make your fortune is to let people see clearly that it is in their interest to promote yours.