Francois de la Rochefoucauld, Pr Quotes

A collection of quotes by Francois de la Rochefoucauld, Pr.

François de La Rochefoucauld, Prince de Marcillac, was a French writer and moralist born in Paris on September 15, 1613. He hailed from a prestigious aristocratic family and received a classical education at the College of Beauvais.

La Rochefoucauld is best known for his work "Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales" (Reflections or Sentences and Moral Maxims), which was first published in 1665. This collection of short, epigrammatic statements encapsulates his observations on human behavior, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the underlying motivations behind our actions. His work delves into themes such as self-interest, love, passion, and social interactions, offering deep insights into the human psyche.

Throughout his life, La Rochefoucauld remained involved in the cultural and political circles of France. He served in the army during the Fronde civil wars of the mid-17th century and later held several positions at the court of Louis XIV. He was also a member of the French Academy and actively participated in literary salons, where he engaged in intellectual discussions and debates with other prominent writers and thinkers of the time.

Despite his aristocratic lineage, La Rochefoucauld was critical of the French nobility and the hypocritical nature of social conventions. His literary work reflected these views and subtly commented on the moral and ethical contradictions of the society he lived in.

François de La Rochefoucauld died in Paris on March 17, 1680, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most influential moralists and writers of French literature.