Date of Birth: September 15, 1613
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: March 17, 1680
Biography
François de La Rochefoucauld was a notable French author born into an aristocratic family who became famous for his maxims and reflective writings. Born on September 15, 1613, in Paris, France, he was deeply involved in the political and social milieu of his time. La Rochefoucauld’s works, notably his collection of “Maximes” (Maxims), offer a deep exploration of human nature, often highlighting its contradictions and complexities. His insightful observations on human behavior and society have cemented his status as one of the most profound moralists in French literature. Despite his aristocratic background, he experienced significant political turbulence, including involvement in the Fronde, a series of civil wars in France. His writings reflect his experiences and offer timeless wisdom on the nature of human motives and the dynamics of power and vanity.
5 Interesting Facts about Francois de La Rochefoucauld
1. François de La Rochefoucauld was involved in the Fronde, a series of civil wars in France, which greatly influenced his perspective on human nature and politics.
2. His most famous work, “Maximes,” was first published in 1665 and has been regarded as a classic of French literature.
3. La Rochefoucauld’s maxims are known for their brevity and depth, often consisting of just a single sentence.
4. He was imprisoned in the Bastille for a brief period due to his political activities.
5. His writings influenced many later thinkers and writers, including Voltaire and Friedrich Nietzsche.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francois de La Rochefoucauld
1. “We are more interested in making others believe we are happy than in trying to be happy ourselves.”
2. “The only thing constant in life is change.”
3. “We all have strength enough to endure the misfortunes of others.”
4. “Hypocrisy is the homage vice pays to virtue.”
5. “True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about and few have seen.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
As a 17th-century aristocrat, François de La Rochefoucauld’s wealth was primarily tied to land and estates rather than a modern equivalent net worth. Precise monetary values are not applicable to his era.
Children
François de La Rochefoucauld had several children, including: 1. François VII, Prince de Marcillac (1634–1714) 2. Marie-Catherine de La Rochefoucauld (1638–1711) 3. Gabriel de La Rochefoucauld (1640–1698)
Relevant Links
