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.

All the great amusements are dangerous for the Christian life.

It is such a great fault to talk too much that, in business and conversation, if what is good is also brief, it is doubly good, and one gains by brevity what one often loses by an excess of words.

It is a very common failing, never to be pleased with our fortune nor displeased with our character.

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

This imperiousness which aids us in all things is merely a fitting authority which comes from superior spirit.

Although most friendships that exist do not merit the name, we can nevertheless make use of them in accordance with our needs, as a kind of commercial venture based on uncertain foundations and in which we are very often deceived.