Biography of Francois de La Rochefoucauld

The highest aspirations

15 September 1613
17 March 1680
François VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Prince de Marcillac was born in Paris on 15 September 1613. It is considered one of the most important writers of epigrams and the greatest French writer of maxims. Francois de La Rochefoucauld was representative of the ancient French nobility in time where the Royal Court was for the nobility, swinging, sometimes help and sometimes a threat. His most important work are the highest, 1665; the author combines the capability of psychological insight with a concision which imparts elegance and balance in every single epigram. Thanks to its noble origins Francois de La Rochefoucauld has the ooprtunità to have a good education.
At sixteen not yet of age decides to join the army. During the same period he made his debut in French public life; formally, a year before his enlistment nominally marries Andrée de Vivonne. For some years the Prince de Marcillac takes part in military campaigns, in which proves to be brave; However it won't get no recognition for his military values. After military experience is taken under the wing of Madame de Chevreuse, the first of three women who most influenced the author's life. Through Madame de Chevreuse, Rochefoucauld nears Queen Anne of Austria and Cardinal Richelieu. Marcillac acquires increasing importance at Court, but will never find that luck needed to leap. Even after his father's death, his luck seems to not terminate it during the battle of the Faubourg Saint Antoine in 1652, is shot in the head by risking blindness. Shortly after recovering, La Rochefoucauld starts dating the salons of Madame de Sable. It was during this period that he began writing the "memories", and "high".
Three years later, in 1665, publishes "Maxims" (original title: "Reflexions ou sentences et maximes morales"). Publishing does come right among the literati of the time. In the same year he began his friendship with Madame de la Fayette, which will be by his side until the end of his life. After a long and tormented disease Francois de La Rochefoucauld died in Paris on 17 March 1680.
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.