“ We have more strength than will; and it is often merely for an excuse we say things are impossible. ”
François de La Rochefoucauld, Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims (1665). copy citation
| Author | François de La Rochefoucauld |
|---|---|
| Source | Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims |
| Topic | strength will difficulty |
| 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
“28.—Jealousy is in a manner just and reasonable, as it tends to preserve a good which belongs, or which we believe belongs to us, on the other hand envy is a fury which cannot endure the happiness of others.
29.—The evil that we do does not attract to us so much persecution and hatred as our good qualities.
30.—We have more strength than will; and it is often merely for an excuse we say things are impossible.
31.—If we had no faults we should not take so much pleasure in noting those of others.
32.—Jealousy lives upon doubt; and comes to an end or becomes a fury as soon as it passes from doubt to certainty.” source
29.—The evil that we do does not attract to us so much persecution and hatred as our good qualities.
30.—We have more strength than will; and it is often merely for an excuse we say things are impossible.
31.—If we had no faults we should not take so much pleasure in noting those of others.
32.—Jealousy lives upon doubt; and comes to an end or becomes a fury as soon as it passes from doubt to certainty.” source
Meaning and analysis
