We judge matters so superficially that ordinary acts and words, done and spoken with some flair and some knowledge of worldly matters, often succeed better than the greatest cleverness.

There is as much wisdom in soliciting good counsel as in giving it. The most sensible people are not reluctant to consider the feelings of other people; and to know how to submit to the wise guidance of others is a kind of wisdom in itself.

There is little advantage in pleasing ourselves when we please no one else, for our great self-love is often chastised by the scorn of others.

To be too dissatisfied with ourselves is a weakness. To be too satisfied with ourselves is a stupidity.

Criticism should awaken our attention, not inflame our anger. We should listen to, and not flee from, those who contradict us. Truth should be our cause, no matter in what manner it comes to us.

It is an admirable skill to able to sweeten a refusal with civil words which atone for the favor which we are not able to grant.

Self-love is even deceived by self-love, because by looking out for our own interests and disregarding those of other people, we lose the advantage that comes with the exchange of favors.