1,221 Quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld

We are much mistaken if we think that men are always brave from a principle of valor, or women chaste from a principle of modesty.

We had better appear what we are, than affect to appear what we are not.

The blindness of men is the most dangerous effect of their pride; it seems to nourish and augment it; it deprives them of knowledge of remedies which can solace their miseries and can cure their faults.

Small minds are much distressed by little things. Great minds see them all but are not upset by them.

It is not always from valor or from chastity that men are brave, and women chaste.

There are many predicaments in life that one must be a bit crazy to escape from.

The most brilliant fortunes are often not worth the littleness required to gain them.

We often pride ourselves on even the most criminal passions, but envy is a timid and shamefaced passion we never dare to acknowledge.

Jealousy contains more of self-love than of love.