The world is grown so full of dissimulation and compliment, that men's words are hardly any signification of their thoughts.

I know of no manner of speaking so offensive as that of giving praise, and closing it with an exception.

Mutual good humor is a dress we ought to appear in wherever we meet, and we should make no mention of what concerns ourselves, without it be of matters wherein our friends ought to rejoice.

Violins are the lively, forward, importunate wits, that distinguish themselves by the flourishes of imagination, sharpness of repartee, glances of satire, and bear away the upper part in every consort.

He that has sense knows that learning is not knowledge, but rather the art of using it.

Whether a pretty woman grants or withholds her favors, she always likes to be asked for them.

Among all the diseases of the mind there is not one more epidemical or more pernicious than the love of flattery.