Francois Duc de la Rochefoucauld

We can never be certain of our courage until we have faced
danger.
[Fr., On ne peut repondre read more

We can never be certain of our courage until we have faced
danger.
[Fr., On ne peut repondre de son courage quand on n'a jamais ete
dans le peril.]

The passions are the only orators that always persuade: they
are, as it were, a natural art, the rules read more

The passions are the only orators that always persuade: they
are, as it were, a natural art, the rules of which are
infallible; and the simplest man with passion is more persuasive
than the most eloquent without it.

Absence diminishes little passions and increases great ones, as
the wind extinguishes candles and fans a fire.
[Fr., read more

Absence diminishes little passions and increases great ones, as
the wind extinguishes candles and fans a fire.
[Fr., L'absence diminue les mediocres passions et augmente les
grandes, comme le vent eteint les bougies et allume le feu.]

Too great refinement is false delicacy, and true delicacy is
solid refinement.

Too great refinement is false delicacy, and true delicacy is
solid refinement.

Some people resemble ballads which are only sung for a certain
time.

Some people resemble ballads which are only sung for a certain
time.