In art them is a point of perfection, as of goodness or maturity in nature; he who is able to perceive it, and who loves it, has perfect taste; he who does not feel it, or loves on this side or that, has an imperfect taste.

A simple garb is the proper costume of the vulgar; it is cut for them, and exactly suits their measure, but it is an ornament for those who have filled up their lives with great deeds. I liken them to beauty in dishabille, but more bewitching on that account.

We meet With few utterly dull and stupid souls: the sublime and transcendent are still fewer; the generality of mankind stand between these two extremes: the interval is filled with multitudes of ordinary geniuses, but all very useful, and the ornaments and supports of the commonwealth.

A vain man finds his account in speaking good or evil of himself.

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

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

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.