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.

The conversation of those who like to lord it over us is very disagreeable. But we should always be ready to graciously acknowledge the truth, no matter in what guise it comes to us.

When people reproach us, they only increase their own failings even as they are disclaiming them.

Even the best-natured people, if uninstructed, are always blind and uncertain. We must take pains to instruct ourselves so that ignorance makes us neither too timid nor too bold.

There is no one who cannot derive great help and great benefit from learning; but there are also only a few people who do not receive a great harm from the light and knowledge they have received by learning, unless they use their knowledge in a manner both fit and natural for them.

We must accustom ourselves to the follies of others and not be astonished at the foolishness that takes place in our presence.

All the great amusements are dangerous for the Christian life.