Joubert (1754-1824)

“Wise Words For Tough Times”
– Rochefoucauld

Explore as we may in the vast regions of self-esteem, undiscovered territories remain there still.

We promise according to our hopes, and perform according to our fears.

The generosity of princes is often only policy: to buy the friendship of their people.

Men are prone to forget benefits and injuries; they even learn to hate those who have helped them and to forget those who have hurt them. The duty of gratitude or revenge is a slavery to which they will not submit.

Sincerity is an open heart. Few people show it; usually what we see is an imitation put on to snare the confidence of others.

True love is like a ghost: everyone talks of it, but few have met it face-to-face.

In most men the love of justice to all is but the fear of injustice to themselves.

To be deceived by your friends is no disgrace; to distrust them is.

Our self-esteem judges the words of others by the pleasure their friendship gives us; we measure their merit by their treatment of us.

Everyone blames his memory; no one blames his judgment.

A great name degrades rather than exalts those unworthy to bear it.

Men and their actions must be seen in proper perspective; some are judged best close at hand, some at a distance.