French author (1613-1680)
Ability wins us the esteem of the true men; luck that of the people.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
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
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
There are women who never had an intrigue; but there are scarce any who never had but one.
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
We bear, all of us, the misfortunes of other people with heroic constancy.
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
Our distrust justifies the deceit of others.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Old fools are greater fools than young ones.
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
Men are never so easily deceived as when they are endeavoring to deceive others.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
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
The heat of youth is not more opposed to safety than the coldness of age.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and 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
Friendship is insipid to those who have experienced love.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
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
Love is the smallest part of gallantry.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
We should often be ashamed of our very best actions if the world only saw the motives which caused them.
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