There are some people upon whom their very faults and failings sit gracefully; and there are others whose very excellencies and accomplishments do not become them.
Francois de La RochefoucauldOur actions seem to have their lucky and unlucky stars, to which a great part of that blame and that commendation is due which is given to the actions themselves.
Francois de La RochefoucauldOur merit gains us the esteem of the virtuous-our star that of the public.
Francois de La RochefoucauldThe name and pretense of virtue is as serviceable to self-interest as are real vices.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld