FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD QUOTES III

French author (1613-1680)

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

Tags: actors


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


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


Our virtues are usually just vices in disguise.

FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims

Tags: virtue


Civility is a desire to receive civilities, and to be accounted well-bred.

FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

Moral Maxims


Not all who discharge their debts of gratitude should flatter themselves that they are grateful.

FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

Moral Maxims

Tags: gratitude


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

Tags: women


Self-love is the greatest of flatterers.

FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims


The common practice of cunning is a sign of small genius; and it almost always happens that those who use it to cover themselves in one place, lay themselves open in another.

FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

Moral Maxims

Tags: cunning


Nothing is so catching as example.

FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

Moral Maxims

Tags: example


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

Tags: friendship


The simplest man with passion will be more persuasive than the most eloquent without.

FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims

Tags: passion


To be a great man it is necessary to turn to account all opportunities.

LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

attributed, Day's Collacon

Tags: opportunity


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

Tags: fortune


Few know how to be old.

FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims

Tags: old age


It is our own vanity that makes the vanity of others intolerable to us.

FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

Maxims

Tags: vanity


Weakness is the only fault which cannot be cured.

FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

Maxims

Tags: weakness


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


The greatest miracle of love is the reformation of a coquette.

FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

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

Tags: action