1,221 Quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld

It is a species of coquetry to make a parade of never practising it.

The virtues and vices are all put in motion by interest.

Nothing should lessen our satisfaction with ourselves as much as when we notice that we disapprove of something at one time that we approve of at another time.

It is a mighty error to suppose that none but violent and strong passions, such as love and ambition, are able to vanquish the rest. Even idleness, as feeble and languishing as it is, sometimes reigns over them; it usurps the throne and sits paramount over all the designs and actions of our lives, and imperceptibly wastes and destroys all our passions and all our virtues.

Decency is the least of all laws, but yet it is the law which is most strictly observed.

It is a wearisome disease to preserve health by too strict a regimen.

Preserving health by too severe a rule is a worrisome malady.

The moderation of fortunate people comes from the calm which good fortune gives to their tempers.

Too great refinement is false delicacy, and true delicacy is solid refinement.