1,221 Quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld

The desire which urges us to deserve praise strengthens our good qualities, and praise given to wit, valour, and beauty, tends to increase them.

There is a kind of elevation which does not depend on fortune; it is a certain air which distinguishes us, and seems to destine us for great things; it is a price which we imperceptibly set upon ourselves.

Jealousy is always born with love, but does not die with it. In jealousy there is more of self-love than of love to another.

We pardon as long as we love.

To know how to hide one's ability is great skill.

Good taste comes more from the judgment than from the mind.

Love, all agreeable as it is, charms more by the fashion in which it displays itself, than by its own true merit.

What we take for high-mindedness is very often no other than ambition well disguised, that scorns means interests, only to pursuegreater.

Constancy in love ... is only inconstancy confined to one object.