French moralist of the era of French Classical literature and author of Maximes and Memoirs
There are very few things impossible in themselves; and we do not want means to conquer difficulties so much as application and resolution in the use of means.
Few things are impracticable in themselves; and it is for want of application, rather than of means, that men fail to succeed.
They that apply themselves to trifling matters commonly become incapable of great ones.
We would frequently be ashamed of our good deeds if people saw all of the motives that produced them.
There are very few people who are not ashamed of having been in love when they no longer love each other.
There are bad people who would be less dangerous if they were quite devoid of goodness.
A wise man thinks it more advantageous not to join the battle than to win.
We are more interested in making others believe we are happy than in trying to be happy ourselves.
We are strong enough to bear the misfortunes of others.
No men are oftener wrong than those that can least bear to be so.