Character Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
“Hypocrisy is an homage that vice renders to virtue.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Maximes, 1665
Vice imitates virtue, turning moral pretense into a false tribute, exposing hypocrisy.
In simple terms: Vice pretends to honor virtue, showing hypocrisy.
Key Takeaway
Beware of false praise that masks vice.
Themes
morality
hypocrisy
virtue
deception
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- personal relationships
- public statements
Key Concepts
ethical pretense
moral imitation
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What virtues do you truly value?
- How can you discern genuine praise from ulterior motives?
A Different Perspective
Not all flattery is sincere; motives may be self‑serving.
