Great souls are not those who have fewer passions and more virtues than others, but only those who have greater designs

Great souls are not those who have fewer passions and more virtues than others, but only those who have greater designs

Francois de La Rochefoucauld, a French author and moralist, is known for his insightful reflections on human nature and behavior. One of his most famous quotes is, "Great souls are not those who have fewer passions and more virtues than others, but only those who have greater designs." This quote encapsulates La Rochefoucauld's belief that true greatness lies not in the absence of flaws or weaknesses, but in the pursuit of noble and ambitious goals.

La Rochefoucauld's philosophy challenges the traditional notion of greatness, which often equates virtue with the suppression of passions and desires. Instead, he argues that it is the size and scope of one's aspirations that truly define the greatness of a soul. In other words, it is not enough to simply be a good person; one must also strive for something greater than oneself in order to be considered truly great.

This idea is reflected in La Rochefoucauld's own life and work. As a member of the French nobility, he was well-acquainted with the temptations of power and privilege. However, rather than succumbing to the vices of his class, La Rochefoucauld chose to use his position to advocate for social and political reform. He was a key figure in the French Enlightenment, a movement that sought to challenge traditional authority and promote reason and individual freedom.