Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDSome counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDThough men are apt to flatter and exalt themselves with their great achievements, yet these are, in truth, very often owing not so much to design as chance.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDThat good disposition which boasts of being most tender is often stifled by the least urging of self-interest.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDWe only confess our little faults to persuade people that we have no big ones.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDThere is no better proof of a man’s being truly good than his desiring to be constantly under the observation of good men.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDAbsence diminishes mediocre passions and increases great ones, as the wind extinguishes candles and fans fires.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDOur virtues are often, in reality, no better than vices disguised.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDToo great haste to repay an obligation is a kind of ingratitude.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDPride does not wish to owe and vanity does not wish to pay.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDThe mind cannot long play the heart’s role.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDWe give advice, but we cannot give the wisdom to profit by it.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDPerfect valour consists in doing without witnesses that which we would be capable of doing before everyone.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDThere are crimes which become innocent and even glorious through their splendor, number and excess.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDAs one grows older, one becomes wiser and more foolish.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDThe principal point of cleverness is to know how to value things just as they deserve.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULDHeat of blood makes young people change their inclinations often, and habit makes old ones keep to theirs a great while.
FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD