"I think," said Madame D'Anville, "that it is in those pensees which you admire so much in Rousseau, that our authors in general excel." "You are right," said Vincent, "and for this reason--with you les gens de letters are always les gens du monde.

Hence their quick perceptions are devoted to men as well as to books.

They make observations acutely, and embody them with grace; but it is worth remarking, that the same cause which produced the aphorism, frequently prevents its being profound.

These literary gens du monde have the tact to observe, but not the patience, perhaps not the time, to investigate.

They make the maxim, but they never explain to you the train of reasoning which led to it.
Hence they are more brilliant than true.