I mean that the philosopher of the cabinet is often too diffident to put into action his observations, or too eager for display to conceal their design.

Lord Vincent values himself upon his science du monde.

He has read much upon men, he has reflected more; he lays down aphorisms to govern or to please them.

He goes into society; he is cheated by the one half, and the other half he offends.

The sage in the cabinet is but a fool in the salon; and the most consummate men of the world are those who have considered the least on it..