The most genuine and efficacious charity is that which greases the paws of the priests; such charity covers a multitude of sins.

Men use thought only as authority for their injustice, and employ speech only to conceal their thoughts.

The rude beginnings of every art acquire a greater celebrity than the art in perfection; he who first played the fiddle was looked upon as a demigod.

Dogs, monkeys, and parrots are a thousand times less miserable than we are.

A small number of choice books are sufficient.

In every province, the chief occupations, in order of importance, are lovemaking, malicious gossip, and talking nonsense.

Whatever you do, crush the infamous thing, and love those who love you.