The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
What is called generosity is usually only the vanity of giving; we enjoy the vanity more than the thing given.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True generosity often comes from a desire for self-importance rather than the act of giving itself.
In this quote, Francois De La Rochefoucauld suggests that what we often perceive as generosity is masked by our own pride and the pleasure we derive from being seen as generous. This reflection prompts us to question the authenticity of our altruistic actions, indicating that our motivations may be more self-serving than we realize. It urges us to contemplate whether our acts of giving are sincere or if they are merely a means to boost our self-esteem.
Themes
GenerosityVanityGivingSelfishnessAltruism
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the true motivations behind charitable actions.
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.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
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
Similar quotes
I would like the church to be a place where the questions of people are honored rather than a place where we have all the answers. The church has to get out of propaganda. The future will involve us in more interfaith dialogue. ... We cannot say we have the only truth.
John Shelby SpongRead
How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
Abraham LincolnRead
Virtue is like a rich stone, best plain set.
Francis BaconRead
The Constitution is a GLORIOUS LIBERTY DOCUMENT. Read its preamble, consider it purposes. Is slavery among them? Is it at the gateway? or is it in the temple? it is neither.
Frederick DouglassRead
Herein would I live; herein would I die; hereon would I dwell in my thoughts and affections; to the withering and consumption of all the painted beauties of this world, unto the crucifying all things here below, until they become unto me a dead and deformed thing, no way meet for affectionate embraces.
John OwenRead
We should show life neither as it is or as it ought to be, but only as we see it in our dreams.
Leo TolstoyRead