The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
There are but very few men clever enough to know all the mischief they do.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Few people realize the negative impact of their actions.
This quote suggests that individuals often act in ways that cause harm or mischief without being aware of the consequences of their actions. It emphasizes the lack of self-awareness and understanding that many people have regarding their behavior and its effects on others, pointing to a deeper truth about human nature and the complexities of morality.
Themes
AwarenessMischiefConsequencesBehaviorMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal responsibility, you could use this quote to highlight the importance of self-reflection.
More from Francois De La Rochefoucauld
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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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