Pity is a sense of our own misfortunes in those of another man; it is a sort of foresight of the disasters which may befall ourselves. We assist others,, in order that they may assist us on like occasions; so that the services we offer to the unfortunate are in reality so many anticipated kindnesses to ourselves.
Francois de La RochefoucauldA man is sometimes better off deceived about the one he loves, than undeceived.
Francois de La RochefoucauldFolly pursues us at all periods of our lives. If someone seems wise it is only because his follies are proportionate to his age and fortune.
Francois de La RochefoucauldHumility is often only a feigned submissiveness by which men hope to bring other people to submit to them; it is a more calculated sort of pride.
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