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87.—Men would not live long in society were they not the…

“87.—Men would not live long in society were they not the dupes of each other. [A maxim, adds Aimé Martin, "Which may enter into the code of a vulgar rogue, but one is astonished to find it in a moral treatise." Yet we have scriptural authority for it: "Deceiving and being deceived."—2 TIM. iii. 13.]” quote by François de La Rochefoucauld
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““87.—Men would not live long in society were they not the dupes of each other. [A maxim, adds Aimé Martin, "Which may enter into the code of a vulgar rogue, but one is astonished to find it in a moral treatise." Yet we have scriptural authority for it: "Deceiving and being deceived."—2 TIM. iii. 13.]””

François de La Rochefoucauld

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Society thrives on mutual deception; even moral texts acknowledge it.

In simple terms: People deceive each other often.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and guard against deception.

Themes

deception society morality

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • politics
  • business negotiations
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does deception shape social bonds?
  • Can honesty survive in competitive settings?
A Different Perspective

Not all interactions are deceptive; trust can exist.

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