More maxims of François VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680):
- “Fortune shews our Virtues and Vices, as Light does Objects.”
- “‘Tis never more difficult to speak well than when we are ashamed of our Silence.”
- “Since great Men can neither bestow Health of Body, nor Peace of Mind, we certainly pay too dear for all else they can.”
- “Our Wisdom is no less at Fortune’s Mercy than our Wealth.”
- “The Desire of appearing Persons of Ability often prevents our being so.”
- “There are some Faults, which when well-managed make a greater Figure than Virtue itself.”
- “We like better to see those on whom we confer Benefits, than those from whom we receive them.”
- “We should not be much concerned about Faults we have the Courage to own.”
- “In the Adversity of our Friends, we always find something that don’t displease us.”
- “Misers mistake Gold for their Good; whereas ’tis only a Means for attaining it.”
- “When our Merit declines our Taste declines.”
- “There is near as much Ability requisite to know how to make use of good Advice, as to know how to act for one’s self.”
- “We had rather speak ill of ourselves than not speak at all.”
- “We give up our Interest sooner than our Taste.”
- “We forgive as long as we love.”
And “We sometimes lose People whom we regret more than we sorrow for; and others whom we are sorry for, yet don’t regret.”