The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
What we call generosity is for the most part only the vanity of giving; and we exercise it because we are more fond of that vanity than of the thing we give.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Generosity often stems from a desire for self-gratification rather than true altruism.
François De La Rochefoucauld's quote suggests that what we often perceive as generosity is more about our own vanity and desire for social approval than genuine selflessness. He posits that we enjoy the act of giving not solely for the benefit of others, but because it enhances our own image and makes us feel good about ourselves.
Themes
GenerosityVanitySelflessnessGivingAltruism
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about charitable donations, one might quote this to highlight the importance of true altruism.
More from Francois De La Rochefoucauld
All quotes →Old men delight in giving good advice as a consolation for the fact that they can no longer set bad examples.
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Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.
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Conceit causes more conversation than wit.
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The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body; after all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind, and they are in continual danger of breaking the skin and bursting out again.
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To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.
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