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About this quote

What does it mean?
We easily believe others have faults because we want to believe it.
In plain terms
We think others are flawed because we want to.
What can you take from it?
Desire shapes our judgment of others' character.

Where it applies

  • workplace conflict
  • gossip
  • political debate

Putting it to work

  • questioning assumptions
  • checking evidence

Questions to consider

  • Do you judge quickly to feel better?
  • What do you wish about others?

Another view

Sometimes faults are real and not just desired beliefs.

More from Francois de La Rochefoucauld

  1. C'est une ennuyeuse maladie que de conserver sa sante par un trop grand regime.

    Permalink to quote #108
  2. Il est quelquefois agreable a un mari d'avoir une femme jalouse; il entend toujours parler de ce qu'il aime.

    Permalink to quote #110
  3. Comment pretendons-nous qu'un autre puisse garder notre secret, si nous ne pouvons le garder nous-memes?

    Permalink to quote #107

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