Clemency, which we make a virtue of, proceeds sometimes from vanity, sometimes — François de La Rochefoucauld
There are few things we should keenly desire if we really knew what we wanted. — François de La Rochefoucauld
For most men the love of justice is only the fear of suffering injustice. — François de La Rochefoucauld
Some people are like popular songs that you only sing for a short time. — François de La Rochefoucauld
Those who most obstinately oppose the most widely-held opinions more often do — François de La Rochefoucauld
What makes lovers never tire of one another is that they talk always about themselves. — François de La Rochefoucauld
Some disguised deceits counterfeit truth so perfectly that not to be taken — François de La Rochefoucauld
We exaggerate the glory of some men in order to detract from that of others. — François de La Rochefoucauld
Intrepidity is an extraordinary strength of soul, which raises it above the — François de La Rochefoucauld
The art of putting into play mediocre qualities often begets more reputation — François de La Rochefoucauld
We had better appear what we are, than affect to appear what we are not. — François de La Rochefoucauld
To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that — François de La Rochefoucauld
Sometimes we think we dislike flattery, but it is only the way it is done that we dislike. — François de La Rochefoucauld
Everyone agrees that a secret should be kept intact, but everyone does — François de La Rochefoucauld
One kind of happiness is to know exactly at what point to be miserable. — François de La Rochefoucauld
The generality of men have, like plants, latent properties, which chance brings to light. — François de La Rochefoucauld
We own up to minor failings, but only so as to convince others that we have no major ones. — François de La Rochefoucauld
There are many predicaments in life that one must be a bit crazy to escape from. — François de La Rochefoucauld