“There are no passions that are not hidden under the appearance of virtue.”François de La Rochefoucauld · Maxime · 1665 · Maxima 1
Passions don't vanish: they change costume and exit through the door of virtue.
Rochefoucauld starts from a social observation: at the French court, nobody admits to pride, envy, or greed, yet everyone talks about honor and principles. The passions do not vanish; they change costume. A man who speaks of loyalty to his team may simply be defending his position. The test is simple: watch who gains, not what is said.
Why it matters It helps you read official rhetoric, from corporate statements to public justifications, where interests dress up as principles.