Though nature be ever so generous, yet can she not make a hero alone. Fortune must contribute her part too and till both concur, the work cannot be perfected. Francois de La Rochefoucauld on alone
Being a blockhead is sometimes the best security against being cheated by a man of wit. Francois de La Rochefoucauld on best
In the misfortunes of our best friends we always find something not altogether displeasing to us. Francois de La Rochefoucauld on best
We should often feel ashamed of our best actions if the world could see all the motives which produced them. Francois de La Rochefoucauld on best
We should often blush for our very best actions, if the world did but see all the motives upon which they were done. Francois de La Rochefoucauld on best
What men have called friendship is only a social arrangement, a mutual adjustment of interests, an interchange of services given and received it is, in sum, simply a business from which those involved propose to derive a steady profit for their own self-love. Francois de La Rochefoucauld on business
Jealousy is bred in doubts. When those doubts change into certainties, then the passion either ceases or turns absolute madness. Francois de La Rochefoucauld on change
Heat of blood makes young people change their inclinations often, and habit makes old ones keep to theirs a great while. Francois de La Rochefoucauld on change
Perfect courage is to do without witnesses what one would be capable of doing with the world looking on. Francois de La Rochefoucauld on courage
Though men are apt to flatter and exalt themselves with their great achievements, yet these are, in truth, very often owing not so much to design as chance. Francois de La Rochefoucauld on design
We come altogether fresh and raw into the several stages of life, and often find ourselves without experience, despite our years. Francois de La Rochefoucauld on experience
Repentance is not so much remorse for what we have done as the fear of the consequences. Francois de La Rochefoucauld on fear