Moderation is represented as a virtue in order to restrain the ambition of great men, and to console those of a meaner… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The moderation of men in the most exalted fortunes is a desire to be thought above those things that have raised them… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Fortunate persons hardly ever amend their ways: they always imagine that they are in the right when fortune upholds their bad conduct. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
However great the advantages given us by nature, it is not she alone, but fortune with her, which makes heroes. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
What we take for virtue is often nothing but an assemblage of different actions, and of different interests, that fortune or our… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Though nature be ever so generous, yet can she not make a hero alone. Fortune must contribute her part too; and till… — 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
It is a common fault never to be satisfied with our fortune, nor dissatisfied with our understanding. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The moderation of people in prosperity is the effect of a smooth and composed temper, owing to the calm of their good… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The good or the bad fortune of men depends not less upon their own dispositions than upon fortune. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Happy people rarely correct their faults; they consider themselves vindicated, since fortune endorses their evil ways. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
There is such a thing as a general revolution which changes the taste of men as it changes the fortunes of the… — 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
Jealousy is always born with love, but does not die with it. In jealousy there is more of self-love than of love to another. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The greatest of all gifts is the power to estimate things at their true worth — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
We have not strength enough to follow our reason so far as it would carry us. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
