"A refusal of praise is a desire..." - Quote by Francois De La Rochefoucauld

“What makes lovers never tire of one another is that they talk always about themselves.”

“We do not despise all those who have vices, but we do despise those that have no virtue.”

“The heat of youth is not more opposed to safety than the coldness of age.”

“Then to Silvia let us sing that Silvia is excelling. She excels each mortal thing upon the dull earth dwelling.”

“Praise little, dispraise less.”

“When we disclaim praise, it is only showing our desire to be praised a second time.”

“This autobiography of mine is a mirror, and I am looking at myself in it all the time. Incidentally I notice the people that pass along at my back - I get glimpses of them in the mirror - and whenever they say or do anything that can help advertise me and flatter me and raise me in my own estimation, I set these things down in my autobiography.”

“When the vain speaker has sat down, and the people say 'what a good speech,' it still takes an ounce to balance an ounce.”

“We always like those who admire us.”