When death comes too near, comedy and tragedy fall silent.

Withhold admiration from a narcissist and be disliked. Give it and be treated with indifference.

Excuses change nothing, but make everyone feel better.

Talent shuffles the deck. Genius brings a new deck.

All history and art are against us, but we still expect happiness in love.

Reputation runs behind the current state of affairs.

Laughter and tears may not persuade, but they cannot be refuted.