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6 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Classic, But Too Dated and Too regionalized,
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This review is from: La Rochefoucauld Maxims: A New English Translation (Paperback)
Written in the 17th century, Maxims concentrates on the wisdom of the Court of Louis XIV. As such the aphorisms are priceless. There is much to ponder and to admire in these sayings. As a snapshot into the thinking of the diplomatic class in France of that time, the book has few rivals.
La Rochefoucauld, however, is so witty and ironic that he loses both the authenticity and depth of the court experience. His charm merely substitutes for wisdom, his facility substitutes for true insight by today's standards. In short, he is easily outmatched by Schopenhauer and the master himself, Friedrich Nietzsche. La Rochefaucauld appears so committed to the form of his aphorisms that he forfeits the delivery of driving impact. He is too French, too wrapped up in the Court of Versailles to be truly universal and timeless. Nevertheless, Rochefaucauld offers many insights into the depth of human behaviors, particularly useful for higher social and political intrigues. Demasking many virtues as mere self-interest, La Rochefaucauld encapsulates these acute observations into disturbing, yet enjoyable, witticisms. Free traders and Libertarians will find La Rochefaucauld part of their Olympian Deity. |
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La Rochefoucauld Maxims: A New English Translation by duc de François La Rochefoucauld (Paperback - June 30, 2005)
Used & New from: $8.83
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