The shame that comes to us as we see ourselves praised when we are unworthy of it often gives us the occasion… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
There is little advantage in pleasing ourselves when we please no one else, for our great self-love is often chastised by the… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Advantage Copy Share Image
Often the desire to appear competent impedes our ability to become competent, because we more anxious to display our knowledge than to… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Ability Copy Share Image
There is a certain hidden mediocrity in those who are stationed above us in life, an ability to take liberties in their… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Ability Copy Share Image
Wealth does not teach us to transcend the desire for wealth. The possession of many goods does not bring the repose of… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Desire Copy Share Image
We think highly of men when we do not know the extent of their capabilities, for we always suppose that more exists… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
There is a certain imperiousness, in the manner of speaking and in actions, which makes itself felt everywhere, and soon wins attention… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Action Copy Share Image
Honest and sincere acts mislead the wicked and cause them to lose their path to their own goals, because mean-spirited people usually… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Belief Copy Share Image
Everyone is so caught up in his own passions and interests that he always wants to talk about them without getting involved… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
There are petty-minded people who cannot endure to be reminded of their ignorance because, since they are usually quite blind to all… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
He who uses trickery should at least make use of his judgment to learn that he can scarcely hide treacherous conduct for… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Clever Copy Share Image
There is no one who cannot derive great help and great benefit from learning; but there are also only a few people… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
There are people so blind and self-absorbed in all matters that they always believe that, whatever they desire or think, they can… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
There are many people who are so inclined to say "no" that the "no" always precedes whatever we say to them. This… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
One cannot always bestow all manner of things upon everybody. To refuse a request for just cause is as praiseworthy as to… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
There is no more reason to accuse ourselves excessively of our failings than to excuse them overmuch. He who goes overboard in… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Belief Copy Share Image
Those who foolishly pride themselves on their nobility mistake that which makes them noble, for it is only the virtue of their… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Ancestor Copy Share Image
It is a very trying task for deceitful people, always to have to cover up their lack of sincerity and to repair… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Cover ups Copy Share Image
It is a strength of character to acknowledge our failings and our strong points, and it is a weakness of character not… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
Even the best-natured people, if uninstructed, are always blind and uncertain. We must take pains to instruct ourselves so that ignorance makes… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Blind Copy Share Image
The ties of virtue ought to be closer than the ties of blood, since the good man is closer to another good… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
We judge matters so superficially that ordinary acts and words, done and spoken with some flair and some knowledge of worldly matters,… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
Often our good deeds make enemies for us, and the ungrateful person despises us on two counts; for he is not only… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
It is neither a great praise nor a great blame when people say a tendency is in or out of fashion. If… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
There is as much wisdom in soliciting good counsel as in giving it. The most sensible people are not reluctant to consider… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Feelings Copy Share Image
Ignorance makes for weakness and fear; knowledge gives strength and confidence. Nothing surprises an intellect that knows all things with a sense… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
Criticism should awaken our attention, not inflame our anger. We should listen to, and not flee from, those who contradict us. Truth… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Anger Copy Share Image
The loftiness of understanding embraces all. It requires as much spirit to suffer the failings of others as it does to appreciate… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
We so love all new and unusual things that we even derive a secret pleasure from the saddest and most tragic events,… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Events Copy Share Image
We nearly always make ourselves masters of those whom we know well, because he who is thoroughly understood is in some sense… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
When High and Mighty people want to make us believe that they possess some good quality which they in fact do not… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Belief Copy Share Image
We often value the exterior and superficial aspect of things more than their inner reality. Bad manners taint everything even justice and… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
It is better that great peoples should seek out glory, or even vanity, in their deeds, than that they should remain indifferent… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Action Copy Share Image
Just as there is no action weaker or more unreasonable than to submit one's judgment to another's, where there is no advantage… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Action Copy Share Image
Self-love is almost always the ruling principle of our friendships. It makes us avoid all our obligations in unprofitable situations, and even… — Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable Copy Share Image
