There is a certain imperiousness, in the manner of speaking and in actions, which makes itself felt everywhere, and soon wins attention and respect. This commanding quality is useful in all affairs, and even for obtaining what we ask for.

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 base to take advantage of our rank or greatness by making fun of those placed beneath us in life.

Self-love is almost always the ruling principle of our friendships. It makes us avoid all our obligations in unprofitable situations, and even causes us to forget our hostility towards our enemies when they become powerful enough to help us achieve fame or fortune.

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.