Quotation by

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

What seems to be generosity is often no more than disguised ambition, which overlooks a small interest in order to secure a great one.

Great

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

People often act generously not out of true kindness, but because they want to gain something bigger in return. They are willing to give up a small benefit now to achieve a much larger advantage later.

More by this author

All quotes by Francois de La Rochefoucauld →

More quotes about Great

See all →

A just and reasonable modesty does not only recommend eloquence, but sets off every great talent which a man can be possessed of.

To have a great man for a friend seems pleasant to those who have never tried it those who have, fear it.

Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.

I wear black skinny-fit jeans - I can't get away from them. It's funny because I wore baggy jeans for ages, then one day my friend convinced me to try on a skinny pair and I thought they were great.

Nobody, I think, ought to read poetry, or look at pictures or statues, who cannot find a great deal more in them than the poet or artist has actually expressed. Their highest merit is suggestiveness.

I remember a great America where we made everything. There was a time when the only thing you got from Japan was a really bad cheap transistor radio that some aunt gave you for Christmas.