Francois Duc de la Rochefoucauld

If we resist our passions it is more from their weakness than
from our strength.

If we resist our passions it is more from their weakness than
from our strength.

The passions are the only orators that always persuade: they
are, as it were, a natural art, the rules read more

The passions are the only orators that always persuade: they
are, as it were, a natural art, the rules of which are
infallible; and the simplest man with passion is more persuasive
than the most eloquent without it.

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.]

Cunning and treachery are the offspring of incapacity.

Cunning and treachery are the offspring of incapacity.

Preserving the health by too strict a regimen is a worrisome
malady.

Preserving the health by too strict a regimen is a worrisome
malady.