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

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.

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.

We prefer people who are trying to imitate us more than those who are trying to equal us. This is because imitation is a sign of esteem, but the desire to equal others is a sign of envy.

We nearly always make ourselves masters of those whom we know well, because he who is thoroughly understood is in some sense subject to those who understand him.

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.

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