La Rochefoucauld
Maxims,
1678
Maxims,
We give nothing so liberally as our advice.
To point out that one never flirts is in itself a form of flirtation.
The reason why lovers never tire of each other’s company is that the conversation is always about themselves.
We often forgive those who bore us, but we cannot forgive those who find us boring.
Whatever discoveries have been made in the land of self-love, many regions still remain unexplored.
Old people are fond of giving good advice; it consoles them for no longer being capable of setting a bad example.
The most dangerous absurdity of elderly persons who have been attractive is to forget that they are so no longer.
Most young people think they are being natural when really they are just ill-mannered and crude.
We all have strength enough to endure the troubles of others.
When vanity is not prompting us, we have little to say.
