What seems to be generosity is often no more than disguised ambition, which overlooks a small interest in order to secure a great one.

The reason that lovers never weary each other is because they are always talking about themselves.

It is a great ability to be able to conceal one's ability.

Being a blockhead is sometimes the best security against being cheated by a man of wit.

We would frequently be ashamed of our good deeds if people saw all of the motives that produced them.

Not all those who know their minds know their hearts as well.

Absence extinguishes small passions and increases great ones, as the wind will blow out a candle, and blow in a fire.

It's easier to be wise for others than for ourselves.

As it is the mark of great minds to say many things in a few words, so it is that of little minds to use many words to say nothing.

The mind cannot long play the heart's role.