It is often hard to determine whether a clear, open, and honorable proceeding is the result of goodness or of cunning. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Those great and glorious actions that dazzle our eyes with their luster are represented by statesmen as the result of great wisdomand… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
No matter how brilliant an action, it should not be considered great unless it was the result of a great motive. — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
Avarice often produces opposite results: there are an infinite number of persons who sacrifice their property to doubtful and distant expectations; others… — Francois de La Rochefoucauld Copy Share Image
The art of using moderate abilities to advantage often brings greater results than actual brilliance — 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
