Nothing is so capable of diminishing self-love as the observation that we disapprove at one time what we approve at another.
Francois de La RochefoucauldThe contempt of riches in philosophers was only a hidden desire to avenge their merit upon the injustice of fortune, by despising the very goods of which fortune had deprived them; it was a secret to guard themselves against the degradation of poverty, it was a back way by which to arrive at that distinction which they could not gain by riches.
Francois de La RochefoucauldWe come altogether fresh and raw into the several stages of life, and often find ourselves without experience, despite our years.
Francois de La RochefoucauldA man convinced of his own merit will accept misfortune as an honor, for thus can he persuade others, as well as himself, that he is a worthy target for the arrows of fate.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld