Francois Duc de la Rochefoucauld

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 sometimes think that we hate flattery, but we only hate the
manner in which it is done.
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We sometimes think that we hate flattery, but we only hate the
manner in which it is done.
[Fr., On croit quelquefoir hair la flatterie; maid on ne hait que
a maniere de flatter.]

We would often be ashamed of our finest actions if the world understood all the motives which produced them.

We would often be ashamed of our finest actions if the world understood all the motives which produced them.

Coquetry is the essential characteristic, and the prevalent humor
of women; but they do not all practise it, because read more

Coquetry is the essential characteristic, and the prevalent humor
of women; but they do not all practise it, because the coquetry
of some is restrained by fear or by reason.

It is the prerogative of great men only to have great defects.
[Fr., Il n'appartient qu'aux grands hommes d'avoir read more

It is the prerogative of great men only to have great defects.
[Fr., Il n'appartient qu'aux grands hommes d'avoir de grands
defauts.]