Self-Talk's Unshared Joy
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

A warning that our personal enthusiasm for self-discussion is rarely matched by the interest of our audience, serving as a call for social awareness.

The extreme delight we take in talking of ourselves should warn us that it is not shared by those who listen.
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Self-Love's Taste Sensitivity
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

Self-love is more sensitive to criticisms of personal taste, which feel intrinsic, than to criticisms of intellectual opinions.

Our self love endures more impatiently the condemnation of our tastes than of our opinions.
2
Pride's Impossible Debt
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

This thesis explores the interplay between ego and debt, suggesting that pride avoids obligation while self-interest refuses to fulfill its commitments.

Pride will not owe, self-love will not pay.
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Sense in Agreement
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

This confession exposes the human tendency to define 'good sense' solely as the quality of agreeing with our own preconceived opinions.

We hardly find any persons of good sense, save those who agree with us.
2
The Universal Ego
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

A reflection on human ego, suggesting that no individual truly believes they are inferior in every way to even the most talented person in the world.

No one believes that in every respect he is behind the man he considers the ablest in the world.
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