Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

We need not regard what good a friend has done us, but only his desire to do us good.

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

It is vain and useless to survey everything that goes on in the world if our study does not help us mend…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

There is always enough self-love hidden beneath the greatest devoutness to set limits on charity.

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Study and research into truth often only serves to make us see by experience our natural ignorance.

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

It is a very common failing, never to be pleased with our fortune nor displeased with our character.

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

When people reproach us, they only increase their own failings even as they are disclaiming them.

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

This imperiousness which aids us in all things is merely a fitting authority which comes from superior spirit.

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

It is a singular characteristic of love that we cannot hide it where it exists, or pretend it where it does not…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

We must accustom ourselves to the follies of others and not be astonished at the foolishness that takes place in our presence.

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Sometimes we praise the way things used to be in order to blame the present, and we esteem what is no longer…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

We prefer people who are trying to imitate us more than those who are trying to equal us. This is because imitation…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Virtue is not always where it seems to be. People sometimes acknowledge favors only to maintain their reputations, and to make themselves…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

It is sometimes useful to pretend we are deceived, because when we show a deceiving man that we see through his artifices,…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Social intercourse, even friendship among most people, is a merely a business arrangement that lasts only so long as there is need.

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

It is such a great fault to talk too much that, in business and conversation, if what is good is also brief,…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Although most friendships that exist do not merit the name, we can nevertheless make use of them in accordance with our needs,…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

He who uses trickery should at least make use of his judgment to learn that he can scarcely hide treacherous conduct for…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

There are petty-minded people who cannot endure to be reminded of their ignorance because, since they are usually quite blind to all…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

There are people so blind and self-absorbed in all matters that they always believe that, whatever they desire or think, they can…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

There is no one who cannot derive great help and great benefit from learning; but there are also only a few people…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

One cannot always bestow all manner of things upon everybody. To refuse a request for just cause is as praiseworthy as to…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

There are many people who are so inclined to say "no" that the "no" always precedes whatever we say to them. This…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

We are more put off by people who parade their dignity than by people who show off their wardrobes. When people have…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

True merit does not depend on the times or on fashion. Those who have no other advantage than courtly manners lose it…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

There is nothing that does not have something perfect in it; and it is the happiness of good taste to be able…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Nothing can tell us so much about the general lawlessness of humanity as a perfect acquaintance with our own immoderate behavior. If…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

It is base to take advantage of our rank or greatness by making fun of those placed beneath us in life.

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

All the great amusements are dangerous for the Christian life.

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

The foolish acts of others ought to serve more as a lesson to us than an occasion to laugh at those who…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

We learn as much by others' failings as by their teachings. Examples of imperfection is just as useful for achieving perfection as…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

It is an admirable skill to able to sweeten a refusal with civil words which atone for the favor which we are…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Good results are sometimes owing to a failure of judgment, because the faculty of judgment often hinders us from undertaking many things…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

The conversation of those who like to lord it over us is very disagreeable. But we should always be ready to graciously…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Instead of taking care to acquaint ourselves with others, we only think of making ourselves known to them. It would be better…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Self-love is even deceived by self-love, because by looking out for our own interests and disregarding those of other people, we lose…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Although we should not love our friends for the good that they do us, it is a sign that they do not…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Pettiness of mind, ignorance and presumption are the cause of stubbornness, because stubborn people only want to believe what they themselves can…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

When an opinionated person starts to challenge something, his mind shuts out all that could clear up the matter. The argument irritates…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Mean-spirited mediocrities, especially those with a smattering of learning, are the most likely to be opinionated. Only strong minds know how to…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable

Often our good deeds make enemies for us, and the ungrateful person despises us on two counts; for he is not only…

— Madeleine de Souvre, marquise de Sable