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Maxims
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About this work
The Maxims are Francois de La Rochefoucauld's collection of several hundred short, cutting aphorisms on human nature, published in 1665. Their recurring claim is uncomfortable: behind our virtues, self-interest is usually pulling the strings. Polished to a fine edge, they remain a masterclass in seeing through the flattering stories people tell about themselves.
About the author — François de La Rochefoucauld
Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613 to 1680) was a French nobleman and moralist of the classical age, who turned a disillusioned life at court into the most quotable book of aphorisms in French literature.
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People also ask
What are the Maxims of La Rochefoucauld?
Several hundred brief aphorisms on human conduct, arguing with elegant cynicism that self-interest hides beneath most of what we call virtue.
What is La Rochefoucauld's most famous maxim?
That our virtues are most often only vices in disguise, the line that sums up his whole project of looking past appearances to motive.
Why are the Maxims still read?
Because their psychology is sharp and timeless. Stripping the comfortable stories from human behavior never goes out of date, and few have done it so wittily.