The nearer we come to great men the more clearly we see that they are only men. They rarely seem great to their valets.

As a man falls out of favour and his wealth declines, we discover for the first time the ridiculous aspects of his character, which were always there but which wealth and favour had concealed.

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

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.

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.

A man must have very eminent qualities to hold his own without being polite.

We perceive when love begins and when it declines by our embarrassment when alone together.