The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
That good disposition which boasts of being most tender is often stifled by the least urging of self-interest.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-interest can often overshadow genuine kindness and tenderness in people.
This quote by Francois De La Rochefoucauld reflects on the fragility of human kindness, suggesting that even those who consider themselves to be the most caring can quickly turn away from tenderness when faced with their own self-interest. It highlights the complexity of human nature, where altruism can be easily compromised by personal motives or desires, indicating that true generosity often requires a conscious effort to prioritize the well-being of others over oneself.
Themes
Self-InterestTendernessKindnessHuman NatureRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the nature of altruism, this quote could illustrate how people's intentions can shift under pressure.
More from Francois De La Rochefoucauld
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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.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
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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