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Francois, Duc de La Rochefoucauld 1613-1680

A cynical observer in the court of the French king, Louis XIV, and a forefather of the enlightenment.

Part One

Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers.

We all have strength to endure the misfortunes of others.

Philosophy triumphs easily over past evils and future evils; but present evils triumph over it.

We need greater virtues to sustain good fortune than bad.

If we had no faults of our own, we would not take so much pleasure in noticing those of others.

Silence is the best tactic for him who distrusts himself.

It is more ignominious to mistrust our friends than to be deceived by them.

Everyone complains of memory, and no one complains of his judgment.