We are never so ridiculous through what we are as through what we pretend to be.
Francois de La RochefoucauldPerseverance 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 RochefoucauldWhat is called generosity is usually only the vanity of giving; we enjoy the vanity more than the thing given.
Francois de La RochefoucauldSome crimes get honor and renown by being committed with more pomp, by a greater number, and in a higher degree of wickedness thanothers. Hence it is that public robberies, plunderings, and sackings have been looked upon as excellencies and noble achievements, and the seizing of whole countries, however unjustly and barbarously, is dignified with the glorious name of gaining conquests.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld