François de La Rochefoucauld quotes, with sources

French moralist and aristocrat, famous for his epigrammatic Maxims on human motive and character. Here are 9 short quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld (1613 – 1680), each with the work it comes from, drawn from 9 sources.

The pleasure of love is in loving.

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 259

Perfect valour is to do without witnesses what one would do before all the world.

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 216

That man who has never been in danger cannot answer for his courage.

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, First Supplement, Maxim XLII

Those faults are always pardonable that we have the courage to avow.

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, The First Supplement, Maxim CXV

It is more disgraceful to distrust than to be deceived by our friends.

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 84

It is only people who possess firmness who can possess true gentleness.

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 479

We are never so happy or so unhappy as we suppose.

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 49

To praise good actions heartily is in some measure to take part in them.

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 432

The most certain sign of being born with great qualities is to be born without envy.

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 433

Sources

Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, First Supplement, Maxim XLII
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 216
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 259
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 432
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 433
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 479
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 49
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, Maxim 84
Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims, The First Supplement, Maxim CXV

Themes

Wisdom Courage Connection Calm Love Joy Growth

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