The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
In all aspects of life, we take on a part and an appearance to seem to be what we wish to be--and thus the world is merely composed of actors.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life is a performance where people often disguise their true selves to fit societal expectations.
This quote by Francois De La Rochefoucauld suggests that in every facet of our lives, individuals adopt certain roles and present façades to align with their aspirations or societal ideals. It reflects the idea that much of the human experience is akin to a theatrical performance where authenticity may be sacrificed for the sake of appearances, leading to a world populated by 'actors' who navigate life playing designated parts rather than expressing their true selves.
Themes
LifePerformanceAppearanceSocietyRoles
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about self-acceptance, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of being genuine.
More from Francois De La Rochefoucauld
All quotes βOld men delight in giving good advice as a consolation for the fact that they can no longer set bad examples.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
Conceit causes more conversation than wit.
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The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body; after all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind, and they are in continual danger of breaking the skin and bursting out again.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
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