Quotes from la rochefoucauld iii

If a man doesn't find ease in himself, 'tis in vain to seek it elsewhere.

However wicked men may be, they do not dare openly to appear the enemies of virtue, and when they desire to persecute her they either pretend to believe her false or attribute crimes to her.

There are few women whose charm survives their beauty.

The character of a man's native country is as strongly impressed on his mind as its accent is on his tongue.

'Tis a sort of coquetry to boast that we never coquet.

Civility is a desire to receive civilities, and to be accounted well-bred.

The love of justice is, in most men, nothing more than the fear of suffering injustice.

The art of using moderate abilities to advantage wins praise, and often acquires more reputation than actual brilliancy.

It is pointless for a woman to be young unless pretty, or to be pretty unless young.

We often glory in the most criminal passions; but envy is a shameful passion we never dare own.

An extraordinary haste to discharge an obligation is a sort of ingratitude.

Nothing is so catching as example.

That conduct often seems ridiculous the secret reasons of which are wise and solid.

Weakness is the only fault which cannot be cured.

To be a great man it is necessary to turn to account all opportunities.

There are certain defects which, well-mounted, glitter like virtue itself.

A gentleman may love like a lunatic, but not like a beast.

Not to love is in love an infallible means of being loved.