The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
That good disposition which boasts of being most tender is often stifled by the least urging of self-interest.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-interest can often overshadow genuine kindness and tenderness in people.
This quote by Francois De La Rochefoucauld reflects on the fragility of human kindness, suggesting that even those who consider themselves to be the most caring can quickly turn away from tenderness when faced with their own self-interest. It highlights the complexity of human nature, where altruism can be easily compromised by personal motives or desires, indicating that true generosity often requires a conscious effort to prioritize the well-being of others over oneself.
Themes
Self-InterestTendernessKindnessHuman NatureRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the nature of altruism, this quote could illustrate how people's intentions can shift under pressure.
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
Most quarrels are inevitable at the time; incredible afterwards.
E. M. ForsterRead
It was like she was cheated. Only nobody had cheated her. So there was nobody to take it out on. However, just the same she had that feeling. Cheated.
Carson MccullersRead
People who have no secrets from each other never want for a subject of conversation. They do not weigh their words, for there is nothing to be held back, neither do they seek for something to say. They talk out of the abundance of their heart, without consideration they say just what they think. Blessed are they who attain to such familiar, unreserved intercourse with God.
Francois FenelonRead
I thought talking to human beings was just something that could make things complicated and unpleasant. So I didn't talk much. I just watched people.
Ernie BanksRead
My father literally fought his entire life to ensure the inclusion of all people because he understood that we were intertwined and connected together in humanity.
Bernice KingRead
When two people in an intimate-couple relationship look at their interactions as opportunities to learn about themselves instead of change each other, they are infusing their relationship with the energy of spiritual partnership.
Gary ZukavRead