Pocas personas tienen el carácter necesario para preferir el comentario adverso que les puede ser útil a la alabanza fácil que las perjudica - François de La Rochefoucauld

There is a certain dignity of manner independent of fortune, a certain distinctive air which seems to mark us out for great things. It is a value we set upon ourselves without realizing it, and by means of this quality we claim other men’s deference as our due. This does more to set us above them than birth, honors, and merit itself.

Ce qui nous rend la vanité des autres insupportable, c'est qu'elle blesse la nôtre.

The gratitude of most men is but a secret desire to receive even greater benefits.