Francois Duc de la Rochefoucauld ( 10 of 62 )
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.
It is the prerogative of great men only to have great defects.
[Fr., Il n'appartient qu'aux grands hommes d'avoir read more
It is the prerogative of great men only to have great defects.
[Fr., Il n'appartient qu'aux grands hommes d'avoir de grands
defauts.]
Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers.
Self-love is the greatest of all flatterers.
Coquetry is the essential characteristic, and the prevalent humor
of women; but they do not all practise it, because read more
Coquetry is the essential characteristic, and the prevalent humor
of women; but they do not all practise it, because the coquetry
of some is restrained by fear or by reason.
The accent of one's country dwells in the mind and in the heart
as much as in the language.
read more
The accent of one's country dwells in the mind and in the heart
as much as in the language.
[Fr., L'accent du pays ou l'on est ne demeure dans l'esprit et
dans le coeur comme dans le langage.]
If we resist our passions it is more from their weakness than
from our strength.
If we resist our passions it is more from their weakness than
from our strength.
The gratitude of most men is but a secret desire of receiving
greater benefits.
The gratitude of most men is but a secret desire of receiving
greater benefits.
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a
man's character, give him power.
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a
man's character, give him power.
We would rather speak ill of ourselves than not talk about ourselves at all.
We would rather speak ill of ourselves than not talk about ourselves at all.
True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is necessary.
True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is necessary.
