1,221 Quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld

That which occasions so many mistakes in the computations of men, when they expect return for favors, is that the giver’s pride and the receiver’s cannot agree upon the value of the kindness done.

Misers mistake gold for their good; whereas ’tis only a means of attaining it.

We should not judge a man’s merits by his great qualities, but by the use he makes of them.

A woman is faithful to her first lover for a long time – unless she happens to take a second.

Considering how little the beginning or the ceasing to love is in our own power, it is foolish and unreasonable for the lover or his mistress to complain of one another’s inconstancy.

The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, letter to Joseph Gillespie, July 13, 1849 Friendship is insipid to those who have experienced love.

Though most of the friendships of the world ill deserve the name of friendships; yet a man may make use of them on occasion, as of a traffic whose returns are uncertain, and in which ’tis usual to be cheated.

A great many men’s gratitude is nothing but a secret desire to hook in more valuable kindnesses hereafter.

Perhaps being old is having lighted rooms inside your head, and people in them, acting. People you know, yet can’t quite name.