French author (1613-1680)
Everyone takes pleasure in returning small obligations, many people acknowledge moderate ones; but there are only a scarce few who do not pay great ones with ingratitude.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
'Tis a sort of coquetry to boast that we never coquet.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Men sometimes think they hate flattery, but they hate only the manner of flattering.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
We always love those who admire us, and we do not always love those whom we admire.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Maxims
Kings make men as they do pieces of money; they put what value they please on them, and we are compelled to receive them according to the value put on them, and not according to their true worth.
LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
attributed, Day's Collacon
That conduct often seems ridiculous the secret reasons of which are wise and solid.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
There are few virtuous women who are not tired of their part.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Flattery is a sort of bad money to which our vanity gives currency.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
The most violent passions have their intermissions; vanity alone gives us no respite.
LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
attributed, Day's Collacon
We easily forget crimes that are known to none but ourselves.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Self-love is the greatest of flatterers.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
We seldom find people ungrateful so long as we are in a condition to render them service.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Maxims and Moral Reflections
If vanity does not overthrow all virtues, at least she makes them totter.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Propriety is the least of all laws, but the most obeyed.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Nothing is so catching as example.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
The simplest man with passion will be more persuasive than the most eloquent without.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
The common practice of cunning is a sign of small genius; and it almost always happens that those who use it to cover themselves in one place, lay themselves open in another.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
The character of a man's native country is as strongly impressed on his mind as its accent is on his tongue.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
We promise according to our hopes, and perform according to our fears.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Maxims
The art of using moderate abilities to advantage wins praise, and often acquires more reputation than actual brilliancy.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims