1,221 Quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld

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

We acknowledge our faults in order to repair by our sincerity the damage they have done us in the eyes of others.

It is as common for tastes to change as it is uncommon for traits of character.

Men and things have each their proper perspective; to judge rightly of some it is necessary to see them near, of others we can never judge rightly but at a distance.

For most men the love of justice is only the fear of suffering injustice.

Some disguised deceits counterfeit truth so perfectly that not to be taken in by them would be an error of judgment.

Friendship is a traffic wherein self-love always proposes to be the gainer.

The man who leaves a woman best pleased with herself is the one whom she will soonest wish to see.

We come altogether fresh and raw into the several stages of life, and often find ourselves without experience, despite our years.