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.

The most important things must be said simply, for they are spoiled by bombast; whereas trivial things must be described grandly, for they are supported only by aptness of expression, tone and manner.

We rarely repent of speaking little, but often of speaking too much.

Logic is the technique by which we add conviction to truth.

The flatterer does not think highly enough of himself or of others.

When we are dead we are praised by those who survive us, though we frequently have no other merit than that of being no longer alive.

Make me chaste and To what excesses will men not go for the sake of a religion in which they believe so little and which they practice so imperfectly!