"There are a great many men valued in society who have nothing to recommend them but serviceable vices"

This quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld is a commentary on the nature of society and how it values particular people. He is suggesting that there are lots of people who are highly regarded in society, but who have absolutely nothing to offer other than their "serviceable vices". This implies that these people are not necessarily virtuous or exceptional, but they have qualities that work to society. This might include qualities such as aspiration, cunning, and ruthlessness. These qualities may be viewed as negative by some, however they can be useful in specific scenarios. The quote is a tip that society frequently values people for their usefulness, instead of their moral character. It is a pointer that we ought to not constantly judge individuals by their outward look, however rather by their actions and intents.