We are nearer loving those who hate us, than those who love us more than we desire. Francois de La Rochefoucauld
There are crimes which become innocent and even glorious through their splendor, number and excess. Francois de La Rochefoucauld
We sometimes think that we hate flattery, but we only hate the manner in which it is done. Francois de La Rochefoucauld
However glorious an action in itself, it ought not to pass for great if it be not the effect of wisdom and intention. Francois de La Rochefoucauld