A cunning spirit never goes straight, it endeavours to secure its object by byeways and short cuts.
 François de La Rochefoucauld, Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims (1665). copy citation

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Author François de La Rochefoucauld
Source Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims
Topic spirit
Date 1665
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by J. W. Willis Bund
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/9105/9105-h/9105-h.htm

Context

“There is a kind of refined and flattering raillery that only hits the faults that persons admit, which understands how to hide the praise it gives under the appearance of blame, and shows the good while feigning a wish to hide it. An acute mind and a cunning mind are very dissimilar. The first always pleases; it is unfettered, it perceives the most delicate and sees the most imperceptible matters. A cunning spirit never goes straight, it endeavours to secure its object by byeways and short cuts. This conduct is soon found out, it always gives rise to distrust and never reaches greatness. There is a difference between an ardent and a brilliant mind, a fiery spirit travels further and faster, while a brilliant mind is sparkling, attractive, accurate.” source