The sure mark of one born with noble qualities is being born without envy. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
People that are conceited of their own merit take pride in being unfortunate, that themselves and others may think them considerable enough… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
We love much better those who endeavor to imitate us, than those who strive to equal us. For imitation is a sign… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Jealousy is in some measure just and reasonable, since it merely aims at keeping something that belongs to us or we think… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Moderation is a fear of falling into that envy and contempt which those who grow giddy with their good fortune quite justly… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The applause we give those who are new to society often proceeds from a secret envying of those already established. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
We often pride ourselves on even the most criminal passions, but envy is a timid and shamefaced passion we never dare to… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
There is something to be said for jealousy, because it only designs the preservation of some good which we either have or… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The hate of favourites is only a love of favour. The envy of NOT possessing it, consoles and softens its regrets by… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Pride, which inspires us with so much envy, is sometimes of use toward the moderating of it too. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
That man, we may be sure, is a person of true worth, whom those who envy him most are yet forced to… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The surest proof of being endowed with noble qualities is to be free from envy. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Envy is more incapable of reconciliation than hatred is. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
For envy, like lightning, generally strikes at the top Or any point which sticks out from the ordinary level. LUCRETIUS, De Rerum… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Jealousy is in a manner just and reasonable, as it tends to preserve a good which belongs, or which we believe belongs… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
People are often vain of their passions, even of the worst, but envy is a passion so timid and shame-faced that no… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Men are often so foolish as to boast and value themselves upon their passions, even those that are most vicious. But envy… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The truest mark of being born with great qualities is to be born without envy. — 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 praise we give to new comers into the world arises from the envy we bear to those who are established. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Envy is destroyed by true friendship, as coquetry by true love. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Jealousy is the greatest of all evils, and the one that arouses the least pity in the person who causes it. — 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