When fortune surprises us by giving us some great office without having gradually led us to expect it, or without having raised our hopes, it is well nigh impossible to occupy it well, and to appear worthy to fill it.
Francois de La RochefoucauldThe constancy of sages is nothing but the art of locking up their agitation in their hearts.
Francois de La RochefoucauldWhat renders us so changeable in our friendship is, that it is difficult to know the qualities of the soul, but easy to know those of the mind.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld