François de La Rochefoucauld Quotes
1613 – 1680
French moralist, author of the "Maxims" (1665).
“We all have strength enough to endure the misfortunes of others.”
“Philosophy triumphs easily over past and future evils; but present evils triumph over it.”
“If we had no faults, we should not take so much pleasure in noting those of others.”
“To succeed in the world we do everything we can to appear successful already.”
“True love is like the appearance of ghosts: everyone talks about it but few have seen it.”
“Everyone complains about his memory, and no one complains about his judgment.”
“Everyone speaks well of his heart; no one dares speak well of his mind.”
“The truest way to be deceived is to think oneself more knowing than others.”
“The refusal of praise is only the wish to be praised twice.”
“It is more difficult to avoid being ruled than to rule others.”
“There is great skill in knowing how to conceal one's skill.”
“We always like those who admire us; we do not always like those whom we admire.”
