Religion is by no means a proper subject of conversation in a mixed company. - Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield

I recommend to you, in my last, an innocent piece of art: that of flattering people behind their backs, in presence of those who, to make their own court, much more than for your sake, will not fail to repeat, and even amplify, the praise to the party concerned. This is of all flattery the most pleasing, and consequently the most effectual.

The manner is often as important as the matter, sometimes more so.

Style is the dress of thoughts.