We should often feel ashamed of our best actions if the world could see all the motives which produced them

We should often feel ashamed of our best actions if the world could see all the motives which produced them

Francois de La Rochefoucauld, a French author and moralist, is known for his insightful observations on human behavior and motivations. One of his most famous quotes is, “We should often feel ashamed of our best actions if the world could see all the motives which produced them.” This quote speaks to the idea that our actions are often driven by complex and sometimes selfish motives, even when they appear noble on the surface.

La Rochefoucauld believed that human beings are inherently self-interested and that our actions are often motivated by a desire for personal gain or recognition. He argued that even our most virtuous actions, such as acts of charity or kindness, can be tainted by selfish motives such as a desire for approval or a fear of judgment.