Experience comprises illusions lost, rather than wisdom gained.

When orators and auditors have the same prejudices, those prejudices run a great risk of being made to stand for incontestable truths.

Literature was formerly an art and finance a trade; today it is the reverse.

Since unhappiness excites interest, many, in order to render themselves interesting, feign unhappiness.

Friends are rare for, the good reason that men are not common.

The folly which we might have ourselves committed is the one which we are least ready to pardon in another.

Pleasure once tasted satisfies less than the desire experienced for its torments.