It is easier for a man to be thought fit for an employment that he has not, than for one he stands already possessed of, and is exercising.
Francois de La RochefoucauldThe desire of talking of ourselves, and showing those faults we do not mind having seen, makes up a good part of our sincerity.
Francois de La RochefoucauldIf we resist our passions, it is more due to their weakness than our strength.
Francois de La RochefoucauldA true friend is the most precious of all possessions and the one we take the least thought about acquiring.
Francois de La RochefoucauldWe label judges with having the meanest motives, and yet we desire that our reputation and fame should depend upon the judgment of men, who are all, either from their jealousy or preoccupation or want of intelligence, opposed to us - and yet despite their bias, just for the sake of making these men decide in our favor, we peril in so many ways both our peace and our life.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld