“We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves.” Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Every writer compiling a book of quotes will have to include several icons of the well-turned phrase such as; Oscar Wilde, Mae West, and the ever-apt Francois de La Rochefoucauld, duc de La Rochefoucauld, prince de Marcillac.

This 17th-century nobleman’ witticisms have flourished with the passage of time, but what else can you expect from someone who had been sentenced to the Bastille for defaming Cardinal Richelieu?

After surviving eight days in prison Francois de La Rochefoucauld retired to his estate with a grudge against everyone in power.

Years later le Comte returned from his exile to take his place in the salons of Paris where his pent-up intellect savaged the stupid and salved the lovelorn. La Rochefoucauld’s Maximes remain a treasure for the ages.

In the Battle of Faubourg St. Honore the genius was shot in the head. Blind for a year. He recovered his sight and wit. Only Mae West and Oscar Wilde are quoted more by plagiarists.

“Good advice is something a man gives when he is too old to set a bad example.” Francois de La Rochefoucauld.

More quotes of the bon vivant.

Hypocrisy is the homage which vice pays to virtue.

No persons are more frequently wrong, than those who will not admit they are wrong.

One cannot answer for his courage when he has never been in danger.

The glory of great men should always be measured by the means they have used to acquire it.

The height of cleverness is to be able to conceal it.

The pleasure of love is in loving.

We confess our little faults to persuade people that we have no large ones.