French author (1613-1680)
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
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
Only great men have great faults.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
He who imagines he can do without the world deceives himself much; but he who fancies the world can't do without him is yet more mistaken.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Weakness is the only fault which cannot be cured.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Maxims
It is pointless for a woman to be young unless pretty, or to be pretty unless young.
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
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
Ordinary men commonly condemn what is beyond them.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and 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
The greatest miracle of love is the reformation of a coquette.
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
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
To be a great man it is necessary to turn to account all opportunities.
LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
attributed, Day's Collacon
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
If a man doesn't find ease in himself, 'tis in vain to seek it elsewhere.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Madmen and fools see everything through the medium of humor.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Our virtues are usually just vices in disguise.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Few know how to be old.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims