Tag: François de La Rochefoucauld

Neither the sun nor death can be looked at steadily.

François de La Rochefoucauld

Philosophy triumphs easily over past and future evils; but present evils triumph over it.

François de La Rochefoucauld

We all have strength enough to endure the misfortunes of others.

François de La Rochefoucauld

The passions are the only advocates which always persuade. They are a natural art, the rules of which are infallible; and the simplest man with passion will be more persuasive than the most eloquent without.

François de La Rochefoucauld

Passion often renders the most clever man a fool, and even sometimes renders the most foolish man clever.

François de La Rochefoucauld

Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers.

François de La Rochefoucauld

What we term virtues are often but a mass of various actions and diverse interests, which fortune or our own industry manage to arrange; and it is not always from valour or from chastity that men are brave, and women chaste.

François de La Rochefoucauld

Our virtues are most frequently but vices in disguise.

François de La Rochefoucauld

One must listen if one wishes to be listened to.

François de La Rochefoucauld

We hardly find any persons of good sense save those who agree with us.

François de La Rochefoucauld