French author (1613-1680)
Everyone takes pleasure in returning small obligations, many people acknowledge moderate ones; but there are only a scarce few who do not pay great ones with ingratitude.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
'Tis much easier to suppress a first desire, than to satisfy all those that follow it.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
If vanity does not overthrow all virtues, at least she makes them totter.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
We always love those who admire us, and we do not always love those whom we admire.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
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
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 promise according to our hopes, and perform according to our fears.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Maxims
Weakness is the only fault which cannot be cured.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Maxims
That man who has never been in danger cannot answer for his courage.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Ordinary men commonly condemn what is beyond them.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Men may boast of their great actions; but they are more often the effects of chance than of design.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral 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 had better appear what we are, than affect to appear what we are not.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
We easily forget crimes that are known to none but ourselves.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
There are few virtuous women who are not tired of their part.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
The world oftener rewards the appearance of merit than merit itself.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
The head is always the bubble of the heart.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
The greatest miracle of love is the reformation of a coquette.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
That conduct often seems ridiculous the secret reasons of which are wise and solid.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Madmen and fools see everything through the medium of humor.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims