Under conditions of tyranny it is far easier to act than to think.

I know why the caged bird sings.

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.

Open your mouth and purse cautiously, and your stock of wealth and reputation shall, at least in repute, be great.

Be discreet in all things, and so render it unnecessary to be mysterious about any.

Do not consider painful what is good for you.

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

You might as well fall flat on your face as lean over too far backward.

The number of guests at dinner should not be less than the number of the Graces nor exceed that of the Muses, i.e., it should begin with three and stop at nine.

At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well, and talk well but not too wisely.