John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.
Page 982
François, duc de La Rochefoucauld. (1613–1680) (continued) |
9533 |
We always like those who admire us; we do not always like those whom we admire. |
Maxim 294. |
9534 |
The gratitude of most men is but a secret desire of receiving greater benefits. 1 |
Maxim 298. |
9535 |
Lovers are never tired of each other, though they always speak of themselves. |
Maxim 312. |
9536 |
We pardon in the degree that we love. |
Maxim 330. |
9537 |
We hardly find any persons of good sense save those who agree with with us. 2 |
Maxim 347. |
9538 |
The greatest fault of a penetrating wit is to go beyond the mark. |
Maxim 377. |
9539 |
We may give advice, but we cannot inspire the conduct. |
Maxim 378. |
9540 |
The veracity which increases with old age is not far from folly. |
Maxim 416. |
9541 |
In their first passion women love their lovers, in all the others they love love. 3 |
Maxim 471. |
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Quarrels would not last long if the fault was only on one side. |
Maxim 496. |
9543 |
In the adversity of our best friends we often find something that is not exactly displeasing. 4 |
Note 1. See Walpole, Quotation 4. [back] |
Note 2. ”That was excellently observed,” say I when I read a passage in another where his opinion agrees with mine. When we differ, then I pronounce him to be mistaken.—Jonathan Swift: Thoughts on Various Subjects. [back] |
Note 3. See Byron, Quotation 209. [back] |
Note 4. This reflection, No. 99 in the edition of 1665, the author suppressed in the third edition. In all distresses of our friends We first consult our private ends; While Nature, kindly bent to ease us, Points out some circumstance to please us. Dean Swift: A Paraphrase of Rochefoucauld’s Maxim. [back] |