Quotes by Francois de La Rochefoucauld

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

As great minds have the faculty of saying a great deal in a few words, so lesser minds have a talent of talking much, and saying nothing.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

It is a great act of cleverness to be able to conceal one's being clever.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

However glorious an action in itself, it ought not to pass for great if it be not the effect of wisdom and intention.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

They that apply themselves to trifling matters commonly become incapable of great ones.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

As it is the characteristic of great wits to say much in few words, so small wits seem to have the gift of speaking much and saying nothing.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Too great haste to repay an obligation is a kind of ingratitude.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Those who are incapable of committing great crimes do not readily suspect them in others.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

We only acknowledge small faults in order to make it appear that we are free from great ones.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

There are a great many men valued in society who have nothing to recommend them but serviceable vices.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

There is a kind of elevation which does not depend on fortune; it is a certain air which distinguishes us, and seems to destine us for great things; it is a price which we imperceptibly set upon ourselves.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Our actions seem to have their lucky and unlucky stars, to which a great part of that blame and that commendation is due which is given to the actions themselves.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

What seems to be generosity is often no more than disguised ambition, which overlooks a small interest in order to secure a great one.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

We may seem great in an employment below our worth, but we very often look little in one that is too big for us.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

A great many men's gratitude is nothing but a secret desire to hook in more valuable kindnesses hereafter.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

To know how to hide one's ability is great skill.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Great souls are not those who have fewer passions and more virtues than others, but only those who have greater designs.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Those that have had great passions esteem themselves for the rest of their lives fortunate and unfortunate in being cured of them.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Old people love to give good advice; it compensates them for their inability to set a bad example.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

We would frequently be ashamed of our good deeds if people saw all of the motives that produced them.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Nothing is so contagious as example; and we never do any great good or evil which does not produce its like.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Few people have the wisdom to prefer the criticism that would do them good, to the praise that deceives them.

Francois de La Rochefoucauld