1,221 Quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld

In great affairs we ought to apply ourselves less to creating chances than to profiting from those that offer.

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.

We think very few people sensible, except those who are of our opinion.

Jealousy is the greatest of all evils, and the one that arouses the least pity in the person who causes it.

One should treat one's fate as one does one's health; enjoy it when it is good, be patient with it when it is poor, and never attempt any drastic cure save as an ultimate resort.

The praise we give to new comers into the world arises from the envy we bear to those who are established.

We are easily comforted for the misfortunes of our friends, when those misfortunes give us an occasion of expressing our affection and solicitude.

The less you trust others, the less you will be deceived.

Smallness of mind is the cause of stubbornness, and we do not credit readily what is beyond our view.