French moralist of the era of French Classical literature and author of Maximes and Memoirs
We only acknowledge small faults in order to make it appear that we are free from great ones.
We should often blush for our very best actions, if the world did but see all the motives upon which they were done.
We should often feel ashamed of our best actions if the world could see all the motives which produced them.
Our actions seem to have their lucky and unlucky stars, to which a great part of that blame and that commendation is due which is given to the actions themselves.
Moderation is the feebleness and sloth of the soul, whereas ambition is the warmth and activity of it.
I have always been an admirer. I regard the gift of admiration as indispensable if one is to amount to something; I don't know where I would be without it.
We always love those who admire us, but we do not always love those whom we admire.
We seldom praise anyone in good earnest, except such as admire us.
The greatest part of intimate confidences proceed from a desire either to be pitied or admired.
Silence is the safest course for any man to adopt who distrust himself.