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About this quote

What does it mean?
Modesty is praised to keep ambitious people in check and comfort those with less talent or luck.
In plain terms
We praise moderation to stop powerful people from wanting too much and to make ordinary people feel better.
What can you take from it?
Moral virtues often serve social control.

Where it applies

  • political discourse
  • self reflection
  • critique of norms

Putting it to work

  • analyze moral praise
  • question social norms

Questions to consider

  • Why do societies value restraint?
  • Who benefits from calming ambition?

Another view

Not all praise for moderation is manipulative.

More from Francois de La Rochefoucauld

  1. Nous pardonnons souvent a ceux qui nous ennuient, mais nous ne pouvons pardonner a ceux que nous ennuyons.

    Permalink to quote #75

  2. Il arrive quelquefois des accidents dans la vie d'ou il faut etre un peu fou pour se bien tirer.

    Permalink to quote #77

  3. La reconnaissance de la plupart des hommes n'est qu'une secrete envie de recevoir de plus grands bienfaits.

    Permalink to quote #74

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