French author (1613-1680)
Sometimes we meet a fool with wit, never one with discretion.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
We may say, vices wait on us in the course of our life as the landlords with whom we successively lodge, and if we traveled the road twice over, I doubt if our experience would make us avoid them.
LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
attributed, Encyclopædia of Quotations: A Treasury of Wisdom, Wit and Humor, Odd Comparisons and Proverbs
The only good copies are those that point out the ridicule of bad originals.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
There are no accidents so unlucky but the prudent may draw some advantage from them.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
We judge so superficially of things, that common words and actions spoke and done in an agreeable manner, with some knowledge of what passes in the world, often succeed beyond the greatest ability.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
What makes the vanity of others unsupportable is that it wounds our own.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Misers mistake gold for their good; whereas 'tis only a means of attaining it.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
What seems like generosity is often but a disguised ambition, which overlooks little interests, in order to gratify great ones.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Quarrels would not last long if the fault was only on one side.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
A gentleman may love like a lunatic, but not like a beast.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Love is to the soul of him who loves, what the soul is to the body which it animates.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
The passions possess a certain injustice and self interest which makes it dangerous to follow them, and in reality we should distrust them even when they appear most trustworthy.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Jealousy is always born with love, but doesn't always die with it.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Constancy in love ... is only inconstancy confined to one object.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
The head can't long act the part of the heart.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
It is far easier to know men than to know man.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Our actions are like blank rhymes, to which everyone applies what sense he pleases.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
Nothing is less sincere than the manner of asking and giving advice. He who asks it seems to have a respectful deference for the opinion of his friend; though he only aims at making him approve his own, and be responsible for his conduct. And he who gives it, repays the confidence reposed in him by a seemingly disinterested zeal; though he seldom means anything by the advice he gives but his own interest or reputation.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
There are some disguised falsehoods so like truths, that 'twould be to judge ill not to be deceived by them.
FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Moral Maxims
There is a season for man's merit as well as for fruit.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD
Maxims