French author (1613-1680)
The world oftener rewards the appearance of merit than merit itself.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
The height of ability consists in a thorough knowledge of the real value of things, and of the genius of the age we live in.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
That man who has never been in danger cannot answer for his courage.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Sincerity is an openness of heart; we find it in very few people; what we usually see is only an artful dissimulation to win the confidence of others.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections
In all aspects of life, we take on a part and an appearance to seem to be what we wish to be--and thus the world is merely composed of actors.
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
We often glory in the most criminal passions; but envy is a shameful passion we never dare own.
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 greatest miracle of love is the reformation of a coquette.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Nothing is so catching as example.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Most women lament not the death of their lovers so much out of real affection for them, as because they would appear worthy of love.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Few know how to be old.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Not all who discharge their debts of gratitude should flatter themselves that they are grateful.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
However wicked men may be, they do not dare openly to appear the enemies of virtue, and when they desire to persecute her they either pretend to believe her false or attribute crimes to her.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Whatever difference may appear in men's fortunes, there is nevertheless a certain compensation of good and ill that makes all equal.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Though most of the friendships of the world ill deserve the name of friendships; yet a man may make use of them on occasion, as of a traffic whose returns are uncertain, and in which 'tis usual to be cheated.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
There are certain defects which, well-mounted, glitter like virtue itself.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
The love of justice is, in most men, nothing more than the fear of suffering injustice.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Sentences et Maximes Morales
Passions often produce their contraries: avarice sometimes leads to prodigality, and prodigality to avarice; we are often obstinate through weakness and daring through timidity.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Madmen and fools see everything through the medium of humor.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims