No man deserves to be praised for his goodness unless he has the strength of character to be wicked. All other goodness is generally nothing but indolence or impotence of will.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Old men are fond of giving good advice, to console themselves for being no longer in a position to give bad examples.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
The gratitude of most men is but a secret desire of receiving greater benefits.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
The reason why lovers are never wary of one another is this - they are always talking of themselves.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
There are bad people who would be less dangerous if they were quite devoid of goodness.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
True bravery is shown by performing without witness what one might be capable of doing before all the world.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is necessary.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
We always love those who admire us, and we do not always love those whom we admire.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
We have all of us sufficient fortitude to bear the misfortunes of others.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
We often forgive those who bore us, but can't forgive those whom we bore.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
When our vices leave us, we flatter ourselves with the credit of having left them.Francois de La Rochefoucauld
