To establish ourselves in the world, we have to do all we can to appear established. To succeed in the world, we do everything we can to appear successful. Francois la Rochefoucauld on success
Ability wins us the esteem of the true men; luck that of the people. François La Rochefoucauld on ability
There is great ability in knowing how to conveal one's ability. François La Rochefoucauld on ability
Absence cools moderate passions, and inflames violent ones; just as the wind blows out candles, but kindles fires. François La Rochefoucauld on absence
Age is a tyrant, who forbids, at the penalty of life, all the pleasures of youth. François La Rochefoucauld on age
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