[LA ROCHEFOUCAULD]
Reflections and Moral Maxims
Rochefoucauld's "Reflections, or Sentences and Moral Maxims," were published in 1665. In them his philosophy of life is expressed with a perfection of form which still remains unrivalled and unequalled. The original work contains only 314 short sentences; the last edition he published contains 541; but when one examines the exquisite workmanship of his style, one does not wonder that it represents the labour of twenty years. La Rochefoucauld (see Vol. X, p. 203) is one of the greatest masters of French prose, as well as one of the great masters of cynicism. He has exerted a deep influence both on English and French literature, and Swift and Byron were among his disciples.
I.—Of Love and of Women
To judge love by most of its effects, it seems more like hatred than kindness.
In love we often doubt of what we most believe.
As long as we love, we forgive.
Love is like fire, it cannot be without continual motion; as soon as it ceases to hope or fear it ceases to exist.