Intrepidity is an extraordinary strength of soul, which raises it above the troubles, disorders and emotions which the sight of great perils can arouse in it; by this strength heroes maintain a calm aspect and preserve their reason and liberty in the most surprising and terrible accidents.
Francois de La RochefoucauldMen are often so foolish as to boast and value themselves upon their passions, even those that are most vicious. But envy is a passion so full of cowardice and shame that no one every ever had the confidence to own it.
Francois de La RochefoucauldNo matter how much care we put into hiding our passions under the appearances of devotion and honor, they can always be seen to peer out through these covers.
Francois de La RochefoucauldPride, which inspires us with so much envy, is sometimes of use toward the moderating of it too.
Francois de La RochefoucauldIf we had no faults, we would not derive so much pleasure from noting those of other people.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld