A brass balance scale with a pile of gold coins outweighing a small white porcelain feather on a deep green background.

Original artwork, not a still

Maxim 25

François de la Rochefoucauld

We need greater virtues to sustain good than evil fortune.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The maxim claims that prosperity tests character more severely than hardship does. Handling good luck well takes more inner strength than enduring bad luck, because success can quietly wear down modesty and judgment. Strong virtues are needed to stay steady when things go well.

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