We should wish for few things with eagerness, if we perfectly knew the nature of that which was the object of our desire.
Francois de La RochefoucauldOur own distrust gives a fair pretence for the knavery of other people.
Francois de La RochefoucauldVices are ingredients of virtues just as poisons are ingredients of remedies. Prudence mixes and tempers them and uses them effectively against life's ills.
Francois de La RochefoucauldThose great and glorious actions that dazzle our eyes with their luster are represented by statesmen as the result of great wisdomand excellent design; whereas, in truth, they are commonly the effects of the humors and passions.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld