The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
Many men are contemptuous of riches; few can give them away.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True generosity is rare; while many may disdain wealth, few actually practice selflessness by sharing it.
This quote suggests that while it is common for people to criticize or look down upon those who are wealthy, very few possess the ability or willingness to part with their riches. It highlights a paradox of human nature, emphasizing that true generosity is not just about what one has, but about what one is willing to give up for others' benefit.
Themes
WealthGenerositySelflessnessRichesGiving
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about philanthropy, one might say, 'As Francois De La Rochefoucauld wisely stated, many men are contemptuous of riches; few can give them away.'
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.
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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.
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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