However glorious an action in itself, it ought not to pass for great if it be not the effect of wisdom and intention.
Francois de La RochefoucauldOne kind of happiness is to know exactly at what point to be miserable.
Francois de La RochefoucauldThe desire which urges us to deserve praise strengthens our good qualities, and praise given to wit, valour, and beauty, tends to increase them.
Francois de La RochefoucauldSome crimes get honor and renown by being committed with more pomp, by a greater number, and in a higher degree of wickedness thanothers. Hence it is that public robberies, plunderings, and sackings have been looked upon as excellencies and noble achievements, and the seizing of whole countries, however unjustly and barbarously, is dignified with the glorious name of gaining conquests.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld