The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
Every one speaks well of his own heart, but no one dares speak well of his own mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often boast about their feelings but hesitate to praise their thoughts.
This quote emphasizes the idea that while individuals are quick to express confidence in their emotions and intuitions, they are much more reluctant to do the same regarding their intellect and reasoning. This highlights a common human tendency to favor subjective experiences over critical thinking, suggesting that acknowledging one's mental capabilities can be more challenging than embracing one's emotional state.
Themes
HeartMindPhilosophyEmotionThought
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about emotional intelligence and its importance, one might reference this quote to illustrate the contrast between feelings and logic.
More from Francois De La Rochefoucauld
All quotes →Old men delight in giving good advice as a consolation for the fact that they can no longer set bad examples.
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Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.
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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.
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To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.
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