Quotes from la rochefoucauld v

We can't bear to be deceived by our enemies, and betrayed by our friends; yet are often content to be so served by ourselves.

Cunning and treachery proceed from want of capacity.

Hope and fear are inseparable.

Love is to the soul of him who loves, what the soul is to the body which it animates.

The common practice of cunning is a sign of small genius; and it almost always happens that those who use it to cover themselves in one place, lay themselves open in another.

There are some disguised falsehoods so like truths, that 'twould be to judge ill not to be deceived by them.

Those who apply themselves too much to little things commonly become incapable of great ones.

We should manage our fortune as our constitution; enjoy it when good, have patience when 'tis bad, and never apply violent remedies but in cases of necessity.

Jealousy is always born with love, but doesn't always die with it.

Most women lament not the death of their lovers so much out of real affection for them, as because they would appear worthy of love.

Nothing is less sincere than the manner of asking and giving advice. He who asks it seems to have a respectful deference for the opinion of his friend; though he only aims at making him approve his own, and be responsible for his conduct. And he who gives it, repays the confidence reposed in him by a seemingly disinterested zeal; though he seldom means anything by the advice he gives but his own interest or reputation.

The art of being able to make a good use of moderate abilities wins esteem and often confers more reputation than real merit.

The surest way to be cheated is to fancy ourselves more cunning than others.

Though most of the friendships of the world ill deserve the name of friendships; yet a man may make use of them on occasion, as of a traffic whose returns are uncertain, and in which 'tis usual to be cheated.

We should not be much concerned about faults we have the courage to own.

A fool has not stuff enough to make a good man.

Madmen and fools see everything through the medium of humor.

Nothing is impossible; there are ways that lead to everything, and if we had sufficient will we should always have sufficient means. It is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible.

Our virtues are usually just vices in disguise.