Francois de la Rochefoucauld, Mo Quotes

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

Francois de la Rochefoucauld, Marquis de Mo, was a French nobleman, soldier, and writer born in Paris in 1613. He belonged to a prominent aristocratic family, and his early life was marked by political intrigue and military service. During the civil wars of the Fronde, he fought on the side of the prince de Condé against Cardinal Richelieu and later the royal army led by King Louis XIV.

However, it was in the literary realm that Rochefoucauld left a significant impact. He is renowned for his collection of moral and philosophical maxims, known as "Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims." Published in 1665, this work consists of concise and penetrating observations on human behavior, love, and social interactions. His innovative approach to capturing the complexity of human nature greatly influenced the development of the French moralist tradition.

Rochefoucauld's maxims, typically written in a pessimistic and cynical tone, explore themes of vanity, self-interest, and the hidden motivations behind human actions. They reveal a deep understanding of human psychology and a critical insight into the workings of society. Considered one of the greatest French moralists, his work continues to be studied and quoted to this day.

Francois de la Rochefoucauld, Marquis de Mo, died in Paris in 1680, leaving a lasting legacy as a writer who skillfully illuminated the intricacies of the human condition.