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
Politeness is a desire to be treated politely, and to be esteemed polite oneself. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The esteem of good men is the reward of our worth, but the reputation of the world in general is the gift… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Ability wins us the esteem of the true men; luck, that of the people. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Honest people will respect us for our merit: the public, for our luck. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Love of fame, fear of disgrace, schemes for advancement, desire to make life comfortable and pleasant, and the urge to humiliate others… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
It is difficult to like those whom we do not esteem; but it is no less so to like those whom we… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Our merit gains us the esteem of the virtuous-our star that of the public. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
We sometimes condemn the present, by praising the past; and show our contempt of what is now, by our esteem for what… — 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
