Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by Francois de La Rochefoucauld (French Writer)

François VI, duc de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) was a French classical author and moralist. He was the leading exponent of the maxime, a French literary form of epigram that expresses a harsh or paradoxical truth with demonstrated clarity and brevity.

Born in Paris, La Rochefoucauld didn’t receive much formal education; instead, he was a student of human nature. He became a public figure after he joined the army, and then a leading member of the Fronde, a series of disputes between the French nobility and the monarchy of Louis XIV.

Despite all his political activities, La Rochefoucauld is best remembered for his writing. He translated his observances into a collection of cynical epigrams, which he called Réflexions ou Sentences et Maximes Morales (1665.) He published this first edition anonymously, but subsequent editions under his name. He published four more editions of Maximes in his lifetime, eventually writing more than 500 epigrammatic reflections analyzing human conduct, and finding self-interest to be its driving force.

Though he did a considerable amount of writing over the years, La Rochefoucauld published only one other work—a surreptitious edition of Mémoires (1662;) it conveyed wide offense, and he denied its authorship. Besides, about 150 letters have been collected and 19 shorter pieces now known as Réflexions diverses.

La Rochefoucauld was admired by all the great French critics of the 19th century. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was influenced by not only his ethics but also his literary style.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Francois de La Rochefoucauld

There are few good women who do not tire of their role.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Goodness

Moderation must not claim the merit of combating and conquering ambition; for they can never exist in the same subject. Moderation is the languor and sloth of the soul; ambition its activity and ardor.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Moderation

I always say to myself, what is the most important thing we can think about at this extraordinary moment.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: The Present

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
Topics: Fresh

We have more power than will; and it is only to exculpate ourselves that we often say that things are impracticable.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Will

In the human heart new passions are forever being born; the overthrow of one almost always means the rise of another.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Passion

We are very far from always knowing our own wishes.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: One liners, Wishes

Everyone complains of the badness of his memory, but nobody of his judgment.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Judging, Judges, Judgment

Being a blockhead is sometimes the best security against being cheated by a man of wit.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Wit

Men give away nothing so liberally as advice.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Advice

The more one loves a mistress, the more one is ready to hate her.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Lovers, Love

Hypocrisy is homage paid by vice to virtue.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Hypocrisy

Quarrels would never last long if the fault was only on one side.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Quarrels

Some beautiful things are more impressive when left imperfect than when too highly finished.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Beauty

The height of ability in the least able consists in knowing how to submit to the good leadership of others.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Ability

True eloquence consists in saying all that should be said, and that only.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Conversation, Simplicity, Eloquence

The prospect of being pleased tomorrow will never console me for the boredom of today.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: The Present

People’s personalities, like buildings, have various facades, some pleasant to view, some not.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Personality

Passion often makes fools of the ablest men, and able men of the mow foolish.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Passion

He that is never satisfied with anything, satisfies no one.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Contentment

Nature creates merit, and fortune brings it into play.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Merit

Nature does not loathe virtue: it is unaware of its existence.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Virtue

In the misfortunes of our best friends we always find something not altogether displeasing to us.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Friendship

However rare true love may be, it is less so than true friendship.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Friendship, Friends

It is better to try to bear the ills we have, than to anticipate those which may never come.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld

To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Listening

To know how to hide one’s ability is great skill.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Ability

Lovers never get tired of each other because they are forever talking about themselves.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Selfishness

When our hatred is violent, it sinks us even beneath those we hate.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Hatred, Hate

The world more frequently recompenses the appearance of merit, than merit itself.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Topics: Merit

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