287
To make a long speech in the presence of others without flattering your audience, is to rouse dislike.
288
Every word that we utter rouses its contrary.
289
Contradiction and flattery make, both of them, bad conversation.
290
The pleasantest society is that in which there exists a genial deference amongst the members one towards another.
291
By nothing do men show their character more than by the things they laugh at.
292
The ridiculous springs from a moral contrast innocently presented to the senses.
293
The sensual man often laughs when there is nothing to laugh at. Whatever it is that moves him, he shows that he is pleased with himself.
294
An intelligent man finds almost everything ridiculous, a wise man hardly anything.