Men fall from great fortune because of the same shortcomings that led to their rise.

Love seizes us suddenly, without giving warning, and our disposition or our weakness favors the surprise; one look, one glance, from the fair fixes and determines us.

There are three great events in our lives: birth, life and death. Of birth we have no conscience; with death, we suffer; and, concerning life, we forget to live it.

The majority of women have no principles of their own; they are guided by the heart, and depend for their own conduct, upon that of the men they love.

The great gift of conversation lies less in displaying it ourselves than in drawing it out of others. He who leaves your company pleased with himself and his own cleverness is perfectly well pleased with you.

Rarely do they appear great before their valets.

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