Francois De La Rochefoucauld, 1613-1680, French Classical Writer Quotes

A man who finds no satisfaction in himself, seeks for it in vain else where.

We can love nothing except what we base on our own selves, and when we prefer our friends to ourselves, we are just following our own taste or pleasure. Nevertheless, it is only by that preference that friendship can be true and perfect.

There are more people without self-love than there are without envy.

Self-love either increases or diminishes our measure of the good qualities of our friends, and does so in proportion to the satisfaction we feel with them; and we judge their virtue by way they act towards us.

Now matter how many discoveries we make in the vast regions of self-love, undiscovered regions still remain there.

Self-interest blinds some people, and makes others see.

If we never flattered ourselves, we should have but insufficient pleasure.

The confidence we have in ourselves arises in a great measure from that which we have in others.

Idiots and lunatics see only their own wit.

It is as proper to have pride in oneself as it is ridiculous to show it to others.