Satire is at once the most agreeable and most dangerous of mental qualities. It always pleases when it is refined, but we always fear those who use i… - François de La Rochefoucauld

" "

Satire is at once the most agreeable and most dangerous of mental qualities. It always pleases when it is refined, but we always fear those who use it too much, yet satire should be allowed when unmixed with spite, and when the person satirised can join in the satire. It is unfortunate to have a satirical turn without affecting to be pleased or without loving to jest.

English
Collect this quote

About François de La Rochefoucauld

François VI, duc de La Rochefoucauld, le Prince de Marcillac (September 15 1613 – March 17 1680) was a noted French author of maxims and memoirs, as well as an example of the accomplished 17th-century nobleman.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Alternative Names: François VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Prince de Marcillac François, Duc de La Rochefoucauld François, duc de La Rochefoucauld
Try QuoteGPT

Chat naturally about what you need. Each answer links back to real quotes with citations.

Related quotes. More quotes will automatically load as you scroll down, or you can use the load more buttons.

Additional quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld

Works in ChatGPT, Claude, or Any AI

Add semantic quote search to your AI assistant via MCP. One command setup.

Il y a des crimes qui deviennent innocents et même glorieux par leur éclat, leur nombre et leur excès. De là vient que les voleries publiques sont des habiletés, et que prendre des provinces injustement s’appelle faire des conquêtes.

Loading...