The passions do very often give birth to others of a nature most contrary to their own. Thus avarice sometimes brings forth prodigality, and prodigality avarice; a man’s resolution is very often the effect of levity, and his boldness that of cowardice and fear. François La Rochefoucauld on boldness
We often forgive those who bore us, but we cannot forgive those whom we bore. François La Rochefoucauld on bore
Perfect valour consists in doing without witnesses that which we would be capable of doing before everyone. François La Rochefoucauld on courage
Moderation has been called a virtue to limit the ambition of great men, and to console undistinguished people for their want of fortune and their lack of merit. François La Rochefoucauld on moderation
Philosophy triumphs easily over past and future evils; but present evils triumph over it. François La Rochefoucauld on philosophy
The virtues are lost in self-interest as rivers are lost in the sea. François La Rochefoucauld on selfishness
True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is necessary. François La Rochefoucauld on talk
The affections are like lightning: you cannot tell where they will strike till they have fallen. Jean Baptiste Lacordaire on affection
A man should live with his superiors as he does with his fire: not too near, lest he burn; nor too far off, lest he freeze. Diogenes Laertius on authority
The only good is knowledge, and the only evil is ignorance. Diogenes Laertius on knowledge