The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
In order to succeed in the world people do their upmost to appear successful.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often put forth a strong effort to create an image of success, regardless of their actual circumstances.
This quote by Francois De La Rochefoucauld highlights the tendency of individuals to prioritize appearances over reality, particularly in the context of success. It suggests that many people invest significant energy into showcasing themselves as successful to gain social validation or acceptance, even if their true achievements do not reflect that image. This behavior can be indicative of societal pressures and the value placed on external perceptions.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to highlight the importance of authenticity over mere appearances.
More from Francois De La Rochefoucauld
All quotes βOld men delight in giving good advice as a consolation for the fact that they can no longer set bad examples.
Some counterfeits reproduce so very well the truth that it would be a flaw of judgment not to be deceived by them.
Conceit causes more conversation than wit.
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.
To understand matters rightly we should understand their details; and as that knowledge is almost infinite, our knowledge is always superficial and imperfect.
Similar quotes
I do believe that my whole success goes back to that time I was arrested as a wayward boy at the age of thirteen. Because then I had to quit running around and began to learn something. Most of all, I began to learn music.
My goal is one Olympic gold medal. Not many people in this world can say, 'I'm an Olympic gold medalist.'
There are a lot of guys who are successful, they make a lot of big money, I mean millions overnight with a contract, and they don't understand the evaporation. It evaporates. You're always back to square one. I found that out, so integrity is how I do business. That's my main asset.
I would never allow anyone to give me money, no difference how badly I needed it. I wanted literally to earn my living.
If you're crazy enough to do what you love for a living, then you're bound to create a life that matters.
The reason we're successful, darling? My overall charisma, of course.