French author (1613-1680)
Those who have the most cunning affect all their lives to condemn cunning; that they may make use of it on some great occasion, and to some great end.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
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Moral Maxims
Nothing is less sincere than the manner of asking and giving advice. He who asks it seems to have a respectful deference for the opinion of his friend; though he only aims at making him approve his own, and be responsible for his conduct. And he who gives it, repays the confidence reposed in him by a seemingly disinterested zeal; though he seldom means anything by the advice he gives but his own interest or reputation.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Our distrust justifies the deceit of others.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
We bear, all of us, the misfortunes of other people with heroic constancy.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Few things are impracticable in themselves; and 'tis for want of application, rather than of means, that men fail of success.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
To praise great actions is in some sense to share them.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
A well-trained mind has less difficulty in submitting to than in guiding an ill-trained mind.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
However we may conceal our passions under the veil ... there is always some place where they peep out.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
The constancy of the wise is only the talent of concealing the agitation of their hearts.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Friendship is insipid to those who have experienced love.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
All passions make us commit some faults, love alone makes us ridiculous.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
If we took as much pains to be what we ought, as we do to deceive others by disguising what we are; we might appear as we are, without being at the trouble of any disguise.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Old fools are greater fools than young ones.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
There is merit without elevation, but there is no elevation without some merit.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Few men know all the ill they do.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
When the heart is still disturbed by the relics of a passion it is proner to take up a new one than when wholly cured.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Few people know death, we only endure it, usually from determination, and even from stupidity and custom; and most men only die because they know not how to prevent dying.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
We take less pains to be happy, than to appear so.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Our envy always outlives the felicity of its object.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Fortune never seems so blind to any as to those on whom she bestows no favors.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims