In most of mankind gratitude is merely a secret hope of further favors

In most of mankind gratitude is merely a secret hope of further favors

Francois de La Rochefoucauld, a French author and moralist, once famously said, "In most of mankind gratitude is merely a secret hope of further favors." This statement reflects a cynical view of human nature, suggesting that people often express gratitude not out of genuine appreciation, but rather as a means to gain something in return.

La Rochefoucauld's observation is rooted in the idea that human relationships are often transactional in nature. People may offer thanks and express gratitude as a way to maintain social connections or to ensure that they will receive future benefits. This perspective implies that gratitude is not always a pure and selfless emotion, but rather a calculated strategy to secure one's own interests.