Ignorance makes for weakness and fear; knowledge gives strength and confidence. Nothing surprises an intellect that knows all things with a sense of discrimination.
Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de SableIt 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.
Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de SableSocial intercourse, even friendship among most people, is a merely a business arrangement that lasts only so long as there is need.
Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de SableWe are more put off by people who parade their dignity than by people who show off their wardrobes. When people have to trick themselves out to gain attention, it is a sure sign that they are unworthy of it. If we want to make ourselves worthy, we can do so only by the innate eminence conferred by virtue. We hold great people in esteem more for the qualities of their soul than for the qualities of their fortune.
Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de SableThere are people so blind and self-absorbed in all matters that they always believe that, whatever they desire or think, they can impose their will on other people. Whatever bad reason they use to persuade others, these self-centered people are so caught up in the process that it seems to them all they have to do is to speak their wishes in a lofty and commanding tone of voice in order to convince everybody.
Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable