Gratitude is merely the secret hope of further favors

Gratitude is merely the secret hope of further favors

Francois de La Rochefoucauld, a French author and moralist, is known for his collection of maxims and reflections on human behavior. One of his most famous quotes is, "Gratitude is merely the secret hope of further favors." This statement suggests that people express gratitude not out of genuine appreciation, but rather in the hopes of receiving more benefits or favors in the future.