“Not all who discharge their debts of gratitude should flatter themselves that they are grateful.”
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Famous Francois de La Rochefoucauld Quotes
“Not to love is in love an infallible means of being loved.”
“The rust of business is sometimes polished off in a camp; but never in a court.”
Source: Maximes Et Reflexions Morales Traduites en Grec Moderne Par Wladimir Brunet; Avec Une Traduction Anglaise en Regard
“A well-trained mind has less difficulty in submitting to than in guiding an ill-trained mind.”
“That conduct often seems ridiculous the secret reasons of which are wise and solid.”
“The clemency of Princes is often but policy to win the affections of the people.”
“Men sometimes think they hate flattery, but they hate only the manner of flattering.”
“Of all the violent passions, the one that becomes a woman best is love.”
“The moderation of fortunate people comes from the calm which good fortune gives to their tempers.”
“Boredom ... causes us to neglect more duties than does interest.”
“We do not wish ardently for what we desire only through reason.”
“There is a kind of love, the excess of which forbids jealousy.”
“As we grow older we grow both more foolish and wiser at the same time.”
“Selfishness is the grand moving principle of nine-tenths of our actions.”
“It is as common for tastes to change as it is uncommon for traits of character.”
“Gratitude, in most men, is only a strong and secret hope of greater favors.”
“Our merit gains us the esteem of the virtuous-our star that of the public.”
“To be a great man it is necessary to turn to account all opportunities.”
“Narrow minds think nothing right that is above their own capacity.”
“The trust that we put in ourselves makes us feel trust in others.”
“Time's chariot-wheels make their carriage-road in the fairest face.”
“Youth changes its tastes by the warmth of its blood; age retains its tastes by habit.”
“To praise great actions with sincerity may be said to be taking part in them.”