The only sure way of avoiding these evils [vanity and boasting] is never to speak of yourself at all. But when, historically, youare obliged to mention yourself, take care not to drop one single word that can directly or indirectly be construed as fishing for applause.

Little vicious minds abound with anger and revenge and are incapable of feeling te pleasure of forgiving their enemies.

The late Président de Montesquieu told me that he knew how to be blind--he had been so for such a long time--but I swear that I do not know how to be deaf: I cannot get used to it, and I am as humiliated and distressed by it today as I was during the first week. No philosophy in the world can palliate deafness.

Our prejudices are our mistresses; reason is at best our wife, very often heard indeed, but seldom minded.

Most people enjoy the inferiority of their best friends.

An ignorant man is insignificant and contemptible; nobody cares for his company, and he can just be said to live, and that is all.

When you have found out the prevailing passion of any man, remember never to trust him where that passion is concerned.