French author (1613-1680)
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
There are certain defects which, well-mounted, glitter like virtue itself.
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
If a man doesn't find ease in himself, 'tis in vain to seek it elsewhere.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Not all who discharge their debts of gratitude should flatter themselves that they are grateful.
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
To be a great man one should know how to profit by every phase of fortune.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Whatever care we take to conceal our passions under the appearance of piety and honor, they are always to be seen through these veils.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Those who have had great passions often find all their lives made miserable in being cured of them.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
There are few women whose charm survives their beauty.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
The desire of appearing persons of ability often prevents our being so.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Civility is a desire to receive civilities, and to be accounted well-bred.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
There are some disguised falsehoods so like truths, that 'twould be to judge ill not to be deceived by them.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
We should manage our fortune as our constitution; enjoy it when good, have patience when 'tis bad, and never apply violent remedies but in cases of necessity.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
It is our own vanity that makes the vanity of others intolerable to us.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Maxims
Men are more satirical from vanity than from malice.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Maxims
To be a great man it is necessary to turn to account all opportunities.
LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
attributed, Day's Collacon
The love of justice is, in most men, nothing more than the fear of suffering injustice.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Sentences et Maximes Morales
Self-love is the greatest of flatterers.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Love is to the soul of him who loves, what the soul is to the body which it animates.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims