1,221 Quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld

The moderation of men in the most exalted fortunes is a desire to be thought above those things that have raised them so high.

Praise is a more ingenious, concealed, and subtle kind of flattery, that satisfies both the giver and the receiver, though by verydifferent ways. The one accepts it as a reward due to his merit; the other gives it that he may be looked upon as a just and discerning person.

To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation.

That conduct often seems ridiculous the secret reasons of which are wise and solid.

There are fine things that are more brilliant when they are unfinished than when finished too much.

Reconciliation with our enemies is simply a desire to better our condition, a weariness of war, or the fear of some unlucky thing from occurring.

It is easier to deceive yourself, and to do so unperceived, than to deceive another.

What we call generosity is for the most part only the vanity of giving; and we exercise it because we are more fond of that vanity than of the thing we give.

Thinkers think and doers do. But until the thinkers do and the doers think, progress will be just another word in the already overburdened vocabulary by sense.