François de La Rochefoucauld Quotes

We should observe the place, the occasion, the temper in which we find the person who listens to us, for if there is much art in speaking to the purpose, there is no less in knowing when to be silent. There is an eloquent silence which serves to approve or to condemn, there is a silence of discretion and of respect. In a word, there is a tone, an air, a manner, which renders everything in conversation agreeable or disagreeable, refined or vulgar.

People with a high opinion of their own merit make it a point of honor to be unhappy so as to convince others as well as themselves that they are worthy victims of the buffetings of fate

El apego o la indiferencia de los filósofos a la vida no es mas que una complacencia de su amor propio; de que debemos disputar tanto como del gusto del paladar, o de la elección de los colores.

What we find the least of in flirtation is love.

La philosophie triomphe aisément des maux passés et des maux à venir. Mais les maux présents triomphent d'elle.

In all professions we affect a part and an appearance to seem what we wish to be. Thus the world is merely composed of actors.

Pocas personas tienen el carácter necesario para preferir el comentario adverso que les puede ser útil a la alabanza fácil que las perjudica

Chance makes us known to others and to ourselves.

It is easier to know mankind in general than any particular man.

Affected simplicity is refined imposture.

Everyone speaks well of his heart; no one dares speak well of his mind.

Une preuve convaincante que l’homme n’a pas été créé comme il est, c’est que plus il devient raisonnable et plus il rougit en soi-même de l’extravagance, de la bassesse et de la corruption de ses sentiments et de ses inclinations.

Le refus des louanges est un désir d'être loué deux fois.

The intention of cheating no one lays us open to being cheated ourselves.

Truth does not do so much good in the world, as the appearance of it does evil.