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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.
9542
    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]