Francois De La Rochefoucauld

Avarice often produces opposite results: there are an infinite number of persons who sacrifice their property to doubtful and distant expectations; others mistake great future advantages for small present interests.

The happiness and unhappiness of men depends as much on their ethics as on fortune.

We torment ourselves rather to make it appear that we are happy than to become so.

Gallantry of mind consists in saying flattering things in an agreeable manner.

Flattery is a base coin which is current only through our vanity.

We give nothing so freely as advice.

The height of ability in the least able consists in knowing how to submit to the good leadership of others.

Politeness of mind consists in thinking chaste and refined thoughts.

When our hatred is violent, it sinks us even beneath those we hate.

To establish yourself in the world a person must do all they can to appear already established.

We think very few people sensible, except those who are of our opinion.

Hope and fear are inseparable.

Hope is the last thing that dies in man; and though it be exceedingly deceitful, yet it is of this good use to us, that while we are traveling through life it conducts us in an easier and more pleasant way to our journey's end.

The old begin to complain of the conduct of the young when they themselves are no longer able to set a bad example.

It's easier to know people in general than one person in particular

The violence done us by others is often less painful than that which we do to ourselves.

The greatest of all gifts is the power to estimate things at their true worth

It is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible.

Many people despise wealth, but few know how to give it away.

We often do shallow good in order to accomplish evil with impunity.

True bravery is shown by performing without witness what one might be capable of doing before all the world.