More maxims of François VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680):

• “Fortune shews our Virtues and Vices, as Light does Objects.”
• “‘Tis never more difficult to speak well than when we are ashamed of our Silence.”
• “Since great Men can neither bestow Health of Body, nor Peace of Mind, we certainly pay too dear for all else they can.”
• “Our Wisdom is no less at Fortune’s Mercy than our Wealth.”
• “The Desire of appearing Persons of Ability often prevents our being so.”
• “There are some Faults, which when well-managed make a greater Figure than Virtue itself.”
• “We like better to see those on whom we confer Benefits, than those from whom we receive them.”
• “We should not be much concerned about Faults we have the Courage to own.”
• “In the Adversity of our Friends, we always find something that don’t displease us.”
• “Misers mistake Gold for their Good; whereas ’tis only a Means for attaining it.”
• “When our Merit declines our Taste declines.”
• “There is near as much Ability requisite to know how to make use of good Advice, as to know how to act for one’s self.”
• “We had rather speak ill of ourselves than not speak at all.”
• “We give up our Interest sooner than our Taste.”
• “We forgive as long as we love.”

And “We sometimes lose People whom we regret more than we sorrow for; and others whom we are sorry for, yet don’t regret.”