1,221 Quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld

Our wisdom lies as much at the mercy of fortune as our possessions do.

We make promises to the extent that we hope-and keep them to the extent that we fear.

To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.

The secret of pleasing in conversation is not to explain too much everything; to say them half and leave a little for divination is a mark of the good opinion we have of others, and nothing flatters their self-love more.

Our concern for the loss of our friends is not always from a sense of their worth, but rather of our own need of them and that we have lost some who had a good opinion of us.

Civility is a desire to receive civilities, and to be accounted well-bred.

When we seek reconciliation with our enemies, it is commonly out of a desire to better our own condition, a being harassed and tired out with a state of war, and a fear of some ill accident which we are willing to prevent.

It is as commendable to think well of oneself when alone, as it is ridiculous to speak well of oneself among others.

There is only one kind of love, but there are a thousand imitations.