1,221 Quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld

They that apply themselves to trifling matters commonly become incapable of great ones.

Everyone praises his heart, none dare praise their understanding.

It is as easy to unknowingly deceive yourself as it is to deceive others.

It is not expedient or wise to examine our friends too closely; few persons are raised in our esteem by a close examination.

The love of new acquaintance comes not so much from being weary of what we had before, or from any satisfaction there is in change, as from the distaste we feel in being too little admired by those that know us too well, and the hope of being more admired by those that know us less.

On neither the sun, nor death, can a man look fixedly.

Coquetry is the essential characteristic, and the prevalent humor of women; but they do not all practice it, because the coquetry of some is restrained by fear or by reason.

The daily employment of cunning marks a little mind, it generally happens that those who resort to it in one respect to protect themselves lay themselves open to attack in another.

No accidents are so unlucky [bad] but that the wise may draw some advantage [good] from them...