Sincerity is the most compendious wisdom.

Be wiser than other people if you can; but do not tell them so.

Half the business is done, when one has gained the heart and the affections of those with whom one is to transact it.

A man of sense soon discovers, because he carefully observes, where and how long he is welcome; and takes care to leave the company at least as soon as he is wished out of it. Fools never perceive whether they are ill timed or ill placed.

For my own part, I would rather be in company with a dead man than with an absent one; for if the dead man gives me no pleasure, at least he shows me no contempt; whereas the absent one, silently indeed, but very plainly, tells me that he does not think me worth his attention.

I really think next to the consciousness of doing a good action, that of doing a civil one is the most pleasing; and the epithet which I should covet the most next to that of Aristides, would be that of well-bred.

An able man shows his spirit by gentle words and resolute actions. He is neither hot nor timid.