To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.
To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation.
The constancy of the wise is only the art of keeping disquietude to one's self.
The constancy of sages is nothing but the art of locking up their agitation in their hearts.
The art of putting into play mediocre qualities often begets more reputation than is achieved by true merit.
Numberless arts appear foolish whose secret motives are most wise and weighty.
The passions are the only orators that always persuade: they are, as it were, a natural art, the rules of which are infallible; and the simplest man with passion is more persuasive than the most eloquent without it.
The art of using moderate abilities to advantage often brings greater results than actual brilliance
It appears that nature has hid at the bottom of our hearts talents and abilities unknown to us. It is only the passions that have the power of bringing them to light, and sometimes give us views more true and more perfect than art could possibly do.
