Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Writer
1613-09-15 – 1680-01-01
Quotes by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
-
In all aspects of life, we take on a part and an appearance to seem to be what we wish to be--and thus the world is merely composed of actors.
Read quote -
Though nature be ever so generous, yet can she not make a hero alone. Fortune must contribute her part too and till both concur, the work cannot be perfected.
Read quote -
It is great folly to wish to be wise all alone.
Read quote -
The defects of the mind, like those of the face, grow worse with age.
Read quote -
There are crimes which become innocent and even glorious through their splendor, number and excess.
Read quote -
Neither the sun nor death can be looked at with a steady eye.
Read quote -
Nothing is impossible; there are ways that lead to everything, and if we had sufficient will we should always have sufficient means. It is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible.
Read quote -
Taste may change, but inclination never.
Read quote -
Women's virtue is frequently nothing but a regard to their own quiet and a tenderness for their reputation.
Read quote -
It is often laziness and timidity that keep us within our duty while virtue gets all the credit.
Read quote -
Timidity is a fault for which it is dangerous to reprove persons whom we wish to correct of it.
Read quote -
The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Read quote -
They that apply themselves to trifling matters commonly become incapable of great ones.
Read quote -
Old age is a tyrant, who forbids, under pain of death, the pleasures of youth.
Read quote -
We seldom find people ungrateful so long as it is thought we can serve them.
Read quote -
Our actions seem to have their lucky and unlucky stars, to which a great part of that blame and that commendation is due which is given to the actions themselves.
Read quote -
Philosophy finds it an easy matter to vanquish past and future evils, but the present are commonly too hard for it.
Read quote -
The word virtue is as useful to self-interest as the vices.
Read quote -
The virtues and vices are all put in motion by interest.
Read quote -
There are a great many men valued in society who have nothing to recommend them but serviceable vices.
Read quote