1,221 Quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld

A man is ridiculous less through the characteristics he has than through those he affects to have.

A respectable man may love madly, but not foolishly.

It is easy to be wise on behalf of others than to be so for ourselves.

Love of fame, fear of disgrace, schemes for advancement, desire to make life comfortable and pleasant, and the urge to humiliate others are often at the root of the valour men hold in such high esteem.

When our vices desert us, we flatter ourselves that we are deserting our vices.

The good or the bad fortune of men depends not less upon their own dispositions than upon fortune.

When a man must force himself to be faithful in his love, this is hardly better than unfaithfulness.

A man is sometimes better off deceived about the one he loves, than undeceived.

There are heroes in evil as well as in good.