The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
When our vices leave us, we like to imagine it is we who are leaving them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that when we overcome our flaws, we often believe it is our own choice, rather than recognizing that our vices have simply dissipated.
Francois De La Rochefoucauld reflects on the human tendency to perceive the departure of our vices as a personal victory. This perception can be misleading, as it may not recognize the complex interplay of circumstances that contribute to our growth and change. The quote highlights the importance of humility and self-awareness in personal transformation.
Themes
VicesSelf-AwarenessTransformationGrowthChange
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth, one could reference this quote to illustrate the journey of overcoming flaws.
More from Francois De La Rochefoucauld
All quotes →Old 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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