1,221 Quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld

We often select envenomed praise which, by a reaction upon those we praise, shows faults we could not have shown by other means.

If it requires great tact to speak to the purpose, it requires no less to know when to be silent.

Few things are needed to make a wise man happy; nothing can make a fool content; that is why most men are miserable.

Everyone blames his memory, no one blames his judgment.

Too great haste to repay an obligation is a kind of ingratitude.

Men never desire anything very eagerly which they desire only by the dictates of reason.

The extreme delight we experience in talking about ourselves should warn us that those who listen do not share it.

It is praiseworthy even to attempt a great action.

Reason alone is insufficient to make us enthusiastic in any matter.