The passions are the only advocates, which always persuade. They are a natural art, the rules of which are infallible; and the simplest man with pass… - François de La Rochefoucauld

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.

Il y a du mérite sans élévation, mais il n'y a point d'élévation sans quelque mérite.

We should not speak of all subjects in one tone and in the same manner. We do not march at the head of a regiment as we walk on a promenade; and we should use the same style in which we should naturally speak of different things in the same way, with the same difference as we should walk, but always naturally, and as is suitable, either at the head of a regiment or on a promenade.=