Jean de La Bruyère Quotes

L'on voit bien que l'Opéra est l'ébauche d'un grand spectacle; il en donne l'idée.

A person's worth in this world is estimated according to the value they put on themselves.

The pleasure of criticism takes away from us the pleasure of being deeply moved by very fine things.

Les femmes sont extrêmes: elles sont meilleures ou pires que les hommes.

There are some sordid minds, formed of slime and filth, to whom interest and gain are what glory and virtue are to superior souls; they feel no other pleasure but to acquire money.

To speak and to offend is with some people but one and the same thing; they are biting and bitter; their words are steeped in gall and wormwood; sneers as well as insolent and insulting words flow from their lips. It had been well for them had they been born mute or stupid; the little vivacity and intelligence they have prejudices them more than dullness does others; they are not always satisfied with giving sharp answers, they often attack arrogantly those who are present, and damage the reputation of those who are absent; they butt all round like rams — for rams, of course, must use their horns. We therefore do not expect, by our sketch of them, to change such coarse, restless, and stubborn individuals. The best thing a man can do is to take to his heels as soon as he perceives them, without even turning round to look behind him.

Out of difficulties, grow miracles

Lofty posts make great men greater still, and small men much smaller.

Such a great misfortune, not to be able to be alone.

Nothing more clearly shows how little God esteems his gift to men of wealth, money, position and other worldly goods, than the way he distributes these, and the sort of men who are most amply provided with them.

Menippus is a bird decked in various feathers which are not his. He neither says nor feels anything, but repeats the feelings and sayings of others; it is so natural for him to make use of other people’s minds that he is the first deceived by it, and often believes he speaks his own mind or expresses his own thoughts when he is but the echo of some man he just parted with.

Sólo un exceso es recomendable en el mundo: el exceso de gratitud.

Generosity lies less in giving much than in giving at the right moment.

Il n'y a guère d'homme si accompli et si nécessaire aux siens, qu'il n'ait de quoi se faire moins regretter.

Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think.