QuoteProject
In most of mankind gratitude is merely a secret hope of further favors.
Francois De La Rochefoucauld
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Gratitude can often be insincere, driven by a desire for future benefits.

This quote by Francois De La Rochefoucauld highlights the complex nature of gratitude in human relationships. It suggests that for many people, expressions of thankfulness may not come from genuine appreciation, but rather from a strategic mindset aimed at securing future favors or advantages. This observation prompts a reflection on the authenticity of our interactions and the motivations behind our expressions of gratitude.

Themes

GratitudeFavorRelationshipsAuthenticityHuman Nature

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the nature of relationships, one might use this quote to illustrate how gratitude can sometimes be transactional.

More from Francois De La Rochefoucauld

The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
Old 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

...We try to have things both ways. We’ve always refused to live by the book and the rule; but then why start worrying because the world doesn’t treat us by rule?
Doris LessingRead
Here is everything which can lay hold of the eye, ear and imagination - everything which can charm and bewitch the simple and ignorant. I wonder how Luther ever broke the spell.
John AdamsRead
Yes, I will put it out there - I will work for anyone for free if they're prepared to make their clothing Fair Trade and organic. It's really hard to get people interested in it.
Emma WatsonRead
I looked up at the mass of signs and stars in the night sky and laid myself open for the first time to the benign indifference of the world.
Albert CamusRead
Please pray with me for everyone in Sri Lanka and the Philippines as I begin my trip.
Pope FrancisRead
The most melancholy of human reflections, perhaps, is that, on the whole, it is a question whether the benevolence of mankind does most good or harm.
Walter BagehotRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.