Maxim-um effect

Francois de la Rochefoucauld, the French writer, aphorist and exemplar of the learned nobility (he was a duke, and bore the title of Prince de Marcillac until the age of 38), died on this day in 1680.

These are from his Maximes:

"Good advice is something a man gives when he is too old to set a bad example."

"He who lives without folly isn't so wise as he thinks."

"We all have strength enough to endure the misfortunes of others."

And:

"We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves."