Francois Duc de la Rochefoucauld

True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is necessary.

True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is necessary.

Too great refinement is false delicacy, and true delicacy is
solid refinement.

Too great refinement is false delicacy, and true delicacy is
solid refinement.

It is easier to appear worthy of a position one does not hold,
than of the office which one read more

It is easier to appear worthy of a position one does not hold,
than of the office which one fills.
[Fr., Il est plus facile de paraitre digne des emplois qu'on n'a
pas que de ceux que l'on exerce.]

The only good copies are those which exhibit the defects of bad
originals.

The only good copies are those which exhibit the defects of bad
originals.

We give advice, but we do not inspire conduct.

We give advice, but we do not inspire conduct.