We are cold to others only when we are dull in ourselves.

We can bear to be deprived of everything but our self-conceit.

They are, as it were, train-bearers in the pageant of life, and hold a glass up to humanity, frailer than itself. We see ourselves at second-hand in them: they show us all that we are, all that we wish to be, and all that we dread to be. What brings the resemblance nearer is, that, as they imitate us, we, in our turn, imitate them. There is no class of society whom so many persons regard with affection as actors.

The difference between the vanity of a Frenchman and an Englishman seems to be this: the one thinks everything right that is French, the other thinks everything wrong that is not English.

To think justly, we must understand what others mean. To know the value of our thoughts, we must try their effect on other minds.

Those people who are uncomfortable in themselves are disagreeable to others.

We are thankful for good-will rather than for services, for the motive than the quantum of favor received.