Perseverance is neither praiseworthy nor blameworthy; for it seems to be only the enduring of certain inclinations and opinions which men neither give themselves nor take away from themselves.
Francois de La RochefoucauldA certain harmony should be kept between actions and ideas if we want to fully develop the effects they can produce.
Francois de La RochefoucauldLuxury and excessive refinement are sure forerunners of the decadence of states, because when all individuals seek their own interests they neglect the public weal.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld