What seems to be generosity is often no more than disguised ambition, which overlooks a small interest in order to secure a great one.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
When we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
When we disclaim praise, it is only showing our desire to be praised a second time.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Women's virtue is frequently nothing but a regard to their own quiet and a tenderness for their reputation.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Absence diminishes little passions and increases great ones just as the wind blows out a candle and fans a fire.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Before strongly desiring anything, we should look carefully into the happiness of its present owner.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Everyone complains of his lack of memory, but nobody of his want of judgement.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
He who imagines he can do without the world deceives himself much; but he who fancies the world cannot do without him is still more mistaken.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Hope, deceitful as it is, serves at least to lead us to the end of life along an agreeable road.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
How is it that we remember the least triviality that happens to us, and yet not remember how often we have recounted it to the same person?Francois de La Rochefoucauld
If we resist our passions, it is more due to their weakness than to our strength.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
