In my continuing quest to make reality more closely match the expert opinion and political directive, (or, perhaps more properly, vice versa) I offer some aphorisms by La Rochefoucald that might make us laugh but also help us question the motives of those with the most high-minded intentions.  A little about Francois, duc de la Rochefoucald (1613–1680): though a trenchant observer of the corridors of power, he was easily misled by the ladies, and took up aphorisms as consolation.  They are almost all brilliant cynicisms.  Must have been some kind of women, yes?  Wow, those were the days.

It's not that I’m against high-minded aspirations, you know: just, they go over so much better when those that espouse them understand their own motives.  So here's a few:

242.  We often irritate others when we think we could not possibly do so.

231.  To try to be wise all on one's own is sheer folly.

187.  The word virtue is as useful to self-interest as the vices.

151.  It is more difficult to avoid being ruled than to rule others.

123. If we never flattered ourselves we should get very little pleasure indeed.

The best La Rochefoucald Maxim is the one you discover for yourself: I have an old Penguin edition of the the Maxims, which you can no doubt purchase.  You can also find his quotes on many Internet quote sites.

Here is my favorite, and quite self-revealing, no doubt: but it always makes me laugh out loud.

169.  We are held to our duty by laziness and timidity, but often our virtue gets the credit.

Have a great weekend, everybody, forswearing duty in favor of courage! 

I would love to hear from others who can share apt quotes, particularly of Central Asian sages, statesmen, and slaves to the ladies.  Please add at will!

Photos: BBC; Gallica