French moralist of the era of French Classical literature and author of Maximes and Memoirs
Some people displease with merit, and others' very faults and defects are pleasing.
We promise in proportion to our hopes, and we deliver in proportion to our fears.
The happiness and misery of men depend no less on temper than fortune.
Great souls are not those who have fewer passions and more virtues than others, but only those who have greater designs.
When we disclaim praise, it is only showing our desire to be praised a second time.
A great many men's gratitude is nothing but a secret desire to hook in more valuable kindnesses hereafter.
A refusal of praise is a desire to be praised twice.
Politeness is a desire to be treated politely, and to be esteemed polite oneself.
The desire of talking of ourselves, and showing those faults we do not mind having seen, makes up a good part of our sincerity.
We do not despise all those who have vices, but we do despise those that have no virtue.