Justice as Self-Protection
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

The author suggests that most people's commitment to justice is actually a self-interested desire to avoid being victims of unfairness themselves.

The love of justice is simply in the majority of men the fear of suffering injustice.
6
Merit Through Friendship
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

Exaggerating the affection of friends is identified as a form of vanity used to signal one's own worthiness rather than genuine gratitude.

When we exaggerate the tenderness of our friends towards us, it is often less from gratitude than from a desire to exhibit our own merit.
1
Reconciliation as Strategy
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

The author suggests that making peace with enemies is rarely a moral act, but rather a pragmatic calculation based on exhaustion or self-interest.

Reconciliation with our enemies is but a desire to better our condition, a weariness of war, the fear of some unlucky accident.
6
Interest's Dual Nature
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

Self-interest is a dual-edged sword that, while blamed for our vices, is also the primary motivator behind many of our virtuous actions.

Interest which is accused of all our misdeeds often should be praised for our good deeds.
5
Strategic Folly
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

The author notes that some individuals possess a unique type of intelligence that allows them to use their own foolishness to their advantage.

There are foolish people who know and who skilfully use their folly.
6