A man has made great progress in cunning when he does not seem too clever to others.

The success of conversation consists less in being witty than in bringing out wit in others; the man who leaves after talking with you, pleased with himself and his own wit, is perfectly pleased with you.

There is as much trickery required to grow rich by a stupid book as there is folly in buying it.

We all covet wealth, but not its perils.

Misers are neither relations, nor friends, nor citizens, nor Christians, nor perhaps even human beings.

It would be a kind of ferocity to reject indifferently all sorts of praise. One should be glad to have that which comes from good men who praise in sincerity things that are really praiseworthy.

There are only two ways by which to rise in this world, either by one's own industry or by the stupidity of others.

Don't wait to be happy to laugh...

Discretion is the perfection of reason, and a guide to us in all the duties of life.

This great misfortune - to be incapable of solitude.