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

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.

Praise, of all things, is the most powerful excitement to commendable actions, and animates us in our enterprises.

The mind, like all other things, will become impaired, the sciences are its food,--they nourish, but at the same time they consume it.

Avoid making yourself the subject of conversation.

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.

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