Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims by François duc de La Rochefoucauld
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"Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims" by François duc de La Rochefoucauld is a collection of aphorisms and moral observations composed during the 17th century. This work is renowned for its keen insights into human nature, particularly the complex interplay of self-interest, vanity, and virtue. Rochefoucauld's maxims delve into topics like love, jealousy, pride, and the often hypocritical nature of societal etiquette, showcasing a cynicism that reflects the realities of court life
in his era. The opening portion of the text begins with the translator's note, emphasizing the need for a complete English edition of Rochefoucauld's thoughts, as previous translations often overlooked the depth and subtleties of his work. The introduction discusses the cultural context of 17th-century France, noting the popularity of epigrammatic literature and Rochefoucauld's unique position within it. As readers are drawn in, they encounter the first aphorisms that introduce central themes: the duplicity of virtues, the manipulative nature of self-love, and the complex motivations behind human actions. This portion sets the stage for an exploration of human psychology that is both timeless and provocative, prompting readers to reflect on their own behaviors and motivations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | La Rochefoucauld, François duc de, 1613-1680 |
|---|---|
| Translator | Friswell, J. Hain (James Hain), 1825-1878 |
| Translator | Willis Bund, J. W. (John William), 1843-1928 |
| Title | Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims |
| Credits | Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer, and David Widger |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 69.9 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PQ: Language and Literatures: Romance literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese |
| Subject | Maxims |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 9105 |
| Release Date | Oct 1, 2005 |
| Last Update | Jan 29, 2013 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 4244 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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