We should scarcely desire things ardently if we were perfectly acquainted with what we desire. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Reconciliation with our enemies is simply a desire to better our condition, a weariness of war, or the fear of some unlucky… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
When we seek reconciliation with our enemies, it is commonly out of a desire to better our own condition, a being harassed… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Men never desire anything very eagerly which they desire only by the dictates of reason. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
We label judges with having the meanest motives, and yet we desire that our reputation and fame should depend upon the judgment… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
“The desire to be pitied or to be admired often forms the greater part of our confidence.” — François de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The gratitude of most men is but a secret desire of receiving greater benefits. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
We do not wish ardently for what we desire only through reason. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
It is a mighty error to suppose that none but violent and strong passions, such as love and ambition, are able to… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The contempt of riches in the philosophers was a concealed desire of revenging on fortune the injustice done to their merit, by… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Love of glory, fear of shame, greed for fortune, the desire to make life agreeable and comfortable, and the wish to depreciate… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Moderation is caused by the fear of exciting the envy and contempt which those merit who are intoxicated with their good fortune;… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The desire to seem clever often keeps us from being so. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
However wicked men may be, they do not dare openly to appear the enemies of virtue, and when they desire to persecute… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The desire of appearing clever often prevents our becoming so. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The contempt of riches in philosophers was only a hidden desire to avenge their merit upon the injustice of fortune, by despising… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Civility is a desire to receive civilities, and to be accounted well-bred. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Our desires always disappoint us; for though we meet with something that gives us satisfaction, yet it never thoroughly answers our expectation.… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Nothing prevents one from appearing natural as the desire to appear natural. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Our own distrust gives a fair pretence for the knavery of other people. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Behind many acts that are thought ridiculous there lie wise and weighty motives. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
“Passion often makes a madman of the cleverest man, and renders the greatest fools clever.” — François de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Perseverance is neither praiseworthy nor blameworthy; for it seems to be only the enduring of certain inclinations and opinions which men neither give themselves… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
A woman is faithful to her first lover for a long time - unless she happens to take a second. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
We are almost always wearied in the company of persons with whom we are not permitted to be weary. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The love of new acquaintance comes not so much from being weary of what we had before, or from any satisfaction there is in… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
It is sometimes necessary to play the fool to avoid being deceived by cunning men. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The intention of never deceiving often exposes us to deception. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Jealousy springs more from love of self than from love of another. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
No persons are more frequently wrong, than those who will not admit they are wrong. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
