François de La Rochefoucauld
François de La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680) was a French nobleman and writer, best known for his Maximes, a collection of concise moral aphorisms. His work examines human self-interest and social behavior; the proverb "You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs" reflects his recurrent theme of pragmatic trade-offs and the costs of action.
Quotes by François de La Rochefoucauld
Quotes: 2
How Examples Spread Good and Evil Alike
Because example is infectious, design and leadership can harness it. Public policy uses norm signals: Opower’s home energy reports, comparing households to efficient neighbors, reduced electricity use across millions (Allcott, 2011). In organizations, leaders who ‘walk the talk’ set ceilings and floors for conduct; clear, early, prosocial acts become the story others tell and copy. Consequently, curating exemplars—who is praised, promoted, and made visible—may be the most leverage we have over what multiplies next. [...]
Created on: 11/18/2025
You Can’t Make an Omelet Without Breaking Some Eggs - François de La Rochefoucauld
François de La Rochefoucauld, a 17th-century French writer and moralist, often explored human nature and behaviors. This particular aphorism aligns with his broader themes of realism and the complexities of decision-making. [...]
Created on: 2/2/2025