Poverty, when it is voluntary, is never despicable, but takes an heroical aspect.

The only vice that cannot be forgiven is hypocrisy. The repentance of a hypocrite is itself hypocrisy.

The vain man makes a merit of misfortune, and triumphs in his disgrace.

The discussing the characters and foibles of common friends is a great sweetness and cement of friendship.

There is no flattery so adroit or effectual as that of implicit assent.

The true barbarian is he who thinks everything barbarous but his own tastes and prejudices.

It is better to be able neither to read nor write than to be able to do nothing else.