Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)

Quotes

• We always like those who admire us; we do not always like those whom we admire.

• We all have strength enough to endure the misfortunes of others.

• The height of cleverness is to be able to conceal it.

• He who lives without folly isn't so wise as he thinks.

• A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire.

• When we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.

• If we had no faults of our own, we would not take so much pleasure in noticing those of others.

• Jealousy feeds upon suspicion, and it turns into fury or it ends as soon as we pass from suspicion to certainty.

• Our repentance is not so much regret for the ill we have done as fear of the ill that may happen to us in consequence.

• To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation.

• Small minds are much distressed by little things. Great minds see them all but are not upset by them.

• We should often be ashamed of our finest actions if the world understood our motives.

• Few are agreeable in conversation, because each thinks more of what he intends to say than of what others are saying, and listens no more when he himself has a chance to speak.

• We rarely think people have good sense unless they agree with us.

• Absence diminishes mediocre passions and increases great ones, as the wind blows out candles and fans fire.