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Pay Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld

“Pride does not wish to owe and vanity does not wish to pay.” quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
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“Pride does not wish to owe and vanity does not wish to pay.”

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

About This Quote

Source Maxim: Reflections on Human Nature, 1667

People resist debt and avoid paying, driven by pride and vanity, exposing selfish motives.

In simple terms: Pride and vanity make people avoid obligations.

Key Takeaway

Recognize selfish motives in decisions.

Themes

pride vanity debt

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • financial decisions
  • personal relationships
  • leadership
  • negotiations

Key Concepts

human nature selfishness moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What obligations do you avoid because of pride?
  • How does vanity influence your choices?
A Different Perspective

Not all actions are altruistic; self‑interest dominates.

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