Francois Duc de la Rochefoucauld

There is merit without elevation, but there is no elevation
without some merit.
[Fr., Il y a du read more

There is merit without elevation, but there is no elevation
without some merit.
[Fr., Il y a du merite sans elevation mais il n'y a point
d'elevation sans quelque merite.]

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a
man's character, give him power.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a
man's character, give him power.

The gratitude of most men is but a secret desire of receiving
greater benefits.

The gratitude of most men is but a secret desire of receiving
greater benefits.

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.]

We would rather speak ill of ourselves than not talk about ourselves at all.

We would rather speak ill of ourselves than not talk about ourselves at all.