French moralist of the era of French Classical literature and author of Maximes and Memoirs
Though nature be ever so generous, yet can she not make a hero alone. Fortune must contribute her part too; and till both concur, the work cannot be perfected.
We confess our little faults to persuade people that we have no large ones.
Confidence contributes more to conversation than wit.
The surest way to be deceived is to consider oneself cleverer than others.
There is no better proof of a man's being truly good than his desiring to be constantly under the observation of good men.
Nothing is so contagious as example; and we never do any great good or evil which does not produce its like.
Only the contemptible fear contempt.
Many men are contemptuous of riches; few can give them away.
Timidity is a fault for which it is dangerous to reprove persons whom we wish to correct of it.
It is often laziness and timidity that keep us within our duty while virtue gets all the credit.