Our actions seem to have their lucky and unlucky stars, to which a great part of that blame and that commendation is due which is given to the... →
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
It is a great act of cleverness to be able to conceal one's being clever.
Heat of blood makes young people change their inclinations often, and habit makes old ones keep to theirs a great while.
However glorious an action in itself, it ought not to pass for great if it be not the effect of wisdom and intention.
They that apply themselves to trifling matters commonly become incapable of great ones.
Too great haste to repay an obligation is a kind of ingratitude.
Nothing is so contagious as example; and we never do any great good or evil which does not produce its like.
As it is the characteristic of great wits to say much in few words, so small wits seem to have the gift of speaking much and saying nothing.
It is great folly to wish to be wise all alone.
There are a great many men valued in society who have nothing to recommend them but serviceable vices.