The 17th-century French author, François VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld, is celebrated for his maxims and memoirs. His work offers a clear-eyed and urbane perspective on the world, neither condemning nor sentimentally celebrating human conduct. His thoughtful observations reflect the complex era in which he lived, providing enduring insights into human nature.
This is the fullest collection of La Rochefoucauld's writings ever published in English, and includes the first complete translation of the Miscellaneous Reflections. A table of alternative maxim numbers and an index of topics help the reader to locate any maxim quickly.
The work of La Rochefoucauld is renowned for its insightful exploration of human nature, particularly the theme of self-love as the driving force behind actions. His collection of maxims presents this central idea from diverse perspectives, making it both profound and engaging. Influential figures like Voltaire and Lord Chesterfield have praised its impact on French thought and its ability to reveal the complexities of mankind. The maxims serve as a mirror to human behavior, offering readers a deep understanding of societal motivations and personal interactions.
Maximen über Eigenliebe und Eitelkeit, Liebe und Verrat, Ruhm und Heuchelei, Tugenden und Laster
La Rochefoucaulds Leben könnte einem Roman von Balzac entnommen sein; seine Wirkung als erster Aphoristiker unserer Kultur war nachhaltig: Lichtenberg wäre ohne ihn nicht zu denken, und Goethe schrieb seine Aphorismen unter dem Titel dieser Sentenzen-Sammlung.
