The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
The world more often rewards the appearances of merit than merit itself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that people value appearances over true talent or merit.
Francois De La Rochefoucauld's quote reveals a harsh truth about societal values, highlighting that often, those who create a facade of competence and achievement are more likely to be recognized and rewarded, regardless of their actual abilities. It underscores the importance of perception in social and professional environments, suggesting that people may prioritize outward appearances of success or skill rather than the actual substance behind them.
Themes
MeritAppearancesSocietyRecognitionSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about workplace dynamics, this quote can highlight the importance of genuine skills over perceived competence.
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
A well adjusted person is one who makes the same mistake twice without getting nervous.
Alexander HamiltonRead
All of us knows, not what is expedient, not what is going to make us popular, not what the policy is, or the company policy - but in truth each of us knows what is the right thing to do. And that's how I am guided.
Maya AngelouRead
Never do things others can do and will do if there are things others cannot do or will not do.
Amelia EarhartRead
Seeker, empty the boat, lighten the load, be free of craving and judgment and hatred, and feel the joy of the way.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Today I don't have to fit into anyone else's emotional atmosphere.
Louise HayRead
Except for some effects that I attribute mostly to age, my intuitive thinking is just as prone to overconfidence, extreme predictions, and the planning fallacy as it was before I made a study of these issues.
Daniel KahnemanRead