In 'Maxims', Francis, Duke of La Rochefoucauld, distills the essence of human nature through a collection of sharp, pithy observations that reveal the intricacies of moral and social behavior. Each maxim serves as a mirror reflecting the truth about love, ambition, and our motivations. With wit and irony, La Rochefoucauld invites readers to ponder the contradictions of humanity and the often hidden self-interest in our actions. This little book, both timeless and thought-provoking, challenges our perceptions of virtue and vice. Dive into La Rochefoucauld's world and uncover the wisdom that still resonates today.
By Francis Duke of La Rochefoucauld
Published: 2015
"We are more concerned about our reputation with others than our conscience before ourselves."
Excerpt from Maxims: And Reflections Upon Man Francis, Duke of Rochefoucauld, Prince of Marsillao, a distinguished wit and nobleman of the reign of Louis XIV., was born in 1613. He distinguished himself as the most brilliant nobleman about the court, and by his share in the good graces of the celebrated Duchess of Longueville, was involved in the civil wars of the Fronde. He signalized his courage at the battle of St. Antoine, in Paris, and received a shot which for some time deprived him of his sight. At a more advanced period, his house was the resort of the best company at Paris, including Boilean Racine, and the Mesdames Sevigne and La Fayette. By the former of these ladies, he is spoken of as holding the first rank in "courage, merit, tenderness, and good sense." The letters of Madame de Maintenon, also, speak of him with high, but inconsistent praise. Huet describes him as possessing a nervous temperament, which would not allow him to accept a seat in the Frerch Academy, owing to his want of courage to make a public speech. The Duke de Rochefoucauld died with philosophic tranquillity, at Paris, in 1680, in his sixty eighth year. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
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“We are more concerned about our reputation with others than our conscience before ourselves.”
Maxims
By Francis Duke of La Rochefoucauld
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François, the Duke of La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), was a notable French author known primarily for his insightful maxims and moral reflections. A keen observer of human nature, he gained fame for works such as "Maximes" and "Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales," which delve into themes of self-interest, vanity, and the complexities of social relationships. His writing style is marked by brevity and wit, often encapsulating profound truths in concise, aphoristic expressions. La Rochefoucauld's sharp and sometimes cynical perspective on human behavior has solidified his legacy as a key figure in the literature of the French Grand Siècle.
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