Francois de La Rochefoucauld

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The Literature Page A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire. Francois de La RochefoucauldBefore we set our hearts too much upon anything, let us examine how happy those are who already possess it. Francois de La Rochefoucauld Few are agreeable in conversation, because each thinks more of what he intends to say than of what others are saying, and listens no more when he himself has a chance to speak. Francois de La RochefoucauldFew things are impracticable in themselves; and it is for want of application, rather than of means, that men fail to succeed. Francois De La RochefoucauldGood advice is something a man gives when he is too old to set a bad example. Francois de La Rochefoucauld Gratitude is merely the secret hope of further favors. Francois de La Rochefoucauld He who lives without folly isn't so wise as he thinks. Francois de La RochefoucauldHypocrisy is the homage which vice pays to virtue. Francois de La RochefoucauldIf we had no faults of our own, we would not take so much pleasure in noticing those of others. Francois de La RochefoucauldIt is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible. Francois de La RochefoucauldJealousy feeds upon suspicion, and it turns into fury or it ends as soon as we pass from suspicion to certainty. Francois de La RochefoucauldMany people despise wealth, but few know how to give it away. Francois de La RochefoucauldNo persons are more frequently wrong, than those who will not admit they are wrong. Francois De La RochefoucauldNothing is less sincere than our mode of asking and giving advice. He who asks seems to have a deference for the opinion of his friend, while he only aims to get approval of his own and make his friend responsible for his action. And he who gives advice repays the confidence supposed to be placed in him by a seemingly disinterested zeal, while he seldom means anything by his advice but his own interest or reputation. Francois De La RochefoucauldOne cannot answer for his courage when he has never been in danger. Francois de La RochefoucauldOur repentance is not so much regret for the ill we have done as fear of the ill that may happen to us in consequence. Francois de La RochefoucauldPreserving health by too severe a rule is a worrisome malady. Francois de La Rochefoucauld Small minds are much distressed by little things. Great minds see them all but are not upset by them. Francois de La RochefoucauldThe defects and faults in the mind are like wounds in the body. After all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind. Francois de La RochefoucauldThe glory of great men should always be measured by the means they have used to acquire it. Francois de La Rochefoucauld The height of cleverness is to be able to conceal it. Francois de La RochefoucauldThe passions are the only orators that always persuade. Francois de La RochefoucauldThe passions often engender their contraries. Francois de La RochefoucauldThe pleasure of love is in loving. Francois de La RochefoucauldTo establish oneself in the world, one has to do all one can to appear established. Francois de La RochefoucauldTo listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation. Francois de La Rochefoucauld We all have strength enough to endure the misfortunes of others. Francois de La RochefoucauldWe always like those who admire us; we do not always like those whom we admire. Francois de La RochefoucauldWe are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves. Francois de La RochefoucauldWe confess our little faults to persuade people that we have no large ones. Francois de La Rochefoucauld

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