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.

Between good sense and good taste there lies the difference between a cause and its effect.

Man makes up his mind he will preach, and he preaches.

One must laugh before one is happy, or one may die without ever laughing at all.

There are only two ways by which to rise in this world, either by one's own industry or by the stupidity of others.

It would be a kind of ferocity to reject indifferently all sorts of praise. One should be glad to have that which comes from good men who praise in sincerity things that are really praiseworthy.

A prince wants only the pleasure of private life to complete his happiness.