Essais sur la necessité et les moyens de plaire

by M. de Moncrif

"Essais sur la nécessité et les moyens de plaire" by François-Augustin Paradis de Moncrif is a treatise published in 1738. This work explores the art of pleasing others in society—whether to gain esteem, cultivate friendship, or simply be agreeable company. Moncrif argues that understanding human flaws like selfishness and vanity is essential, and that the desire to please is a categorical imperative above all else. The work attracted international attention and was translated into German, English, Italian, and Spanish.