The generality of virtuous women are like hidden treasures, they are safe only because nobody has sought after them.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
In all professions each affects a look and an exterior to appear what he wishes the world to believe that he is. Thus we may say that the whole world is made up of appearances.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that people curate their external personas based on how they want to be perceived by others.
Francois De La Rochefoucauld's quote reflects on the inherent nature of human interactions and societal appearances. It posits that individuals project certain images or roles to influence how others view them, revealing that our understanding of reality is often shaped by superficial appearances rather than intrinsic qualities. This idea calls attention to the disconnect between true identity and the facades constructed in various social contexts.
Themes
AppearancesIdentityPerceptionFacadeSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about personal branding, one might highlight this quote to discuss the importance of appearances in professional settings.
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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