Maxims are to the intellect what laws are to actions; they do not enlighten, but they guide and direct, and, although themselves blind, are protective.

Abuse of words is the foundation of ideology.

We are all of us more or less echoes, repeating involuntarily the virtues, the defects, the movements, and the characters of those among whom we live.

We should make ourselves loved, for men are only just towards those whom they love.

Grace imitates modesty, as politeness imitates kindness.

Avoid singularity. There may often be less vanity in following the new modes than in adhering to the old ones. It is true that the foolish invent them, but the wise may conform to, instead of contradicting, them.

The sound of the drum drives out thought; for that very reason it is the most military of instruments.