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Hope vs Fear
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

The author notes that human commitments are driven by optimism, while the actual fulfillment of those duties is motivated by the fear of consequences.

We promise according to our hopes; we perform according to our fears.
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Virtue as Accident
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

The author suggests that what is perceived as virtue is often merely a lucky arrangement of actions and interests managed by fortune rather than inherent moral character.

What we term virtue is often but a mass of various actions and divers interests, which fortune, or our own industry, manage to arrange; and it is not always from valour or from chastity that men are brave, and women chaste. "Who combats bravely is not therefore brave, He dreads a death-bed like the meanest slave; Who reasons wisely is not therefore wise, His pride in reasoning, not in acting, lies." Pope, Moral Essays, Ep. i. line 115.
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Self-Love's Flattering Mirror
Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Maxims

The author suggests that our own ego is the most deceptive force we encounter, constantly providing us with an inflated and favorable self-image.

Self-love is the greatest of flatterers.
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