Andre Maurois Quotes - Page 4

It is often said that in prosperity we have many friends, but that we are usually neglected when things go badly. I disagree. Not only do malicious people flock about us in order to witness our ruin, but other unfortunates as well, who have been kept away by our happiness, and now feel close to us on account of our troubles.

The need to express oneself in writing springs from a mal-adjustment to life, or from an inner conflict which the adolescent (or the grown man) cannot resolve in action. Those to whom action comes as easily as breathing rarely feel the need to break loose from the real, to rise above, and describe it... I do not mean that it is enough to be maladjusted to become a great writer, but writing is, for some, a method of resolving a conflict, provided they have the necessary talent.

Two human beings anchored to one another are like two ships shaken by waves; their carcases collide with one another and creak.

A man cannot free himself from the past more easily than he can from his own body.

Genius consists of equal parts of natural aptitude and hard work.

Marriage is not something that can be accomplished all at once; it has to be constantly reaccomplished. A couple must never indulge in idle tranquility with the remark: "The game is won; let's relax." The game is never won. The chances of life are such that anything is possible. Remember what the dangers are for both sexes in middle age. A successful marriage is an edifice that must be rebuilt every day.

He who wants to do everything will never do anything.

Men and women are not born inconstant: they are made so by their early amorous experiences.

The most important quality in a leader is that of being acknowledged as such. All leaders whose fitness is questioned are clearly lacking in force.

Happiness is never there to stay [...] Happiness is merely a respite offered by inquietude.

Only passions can raise a man above the level of the animal.

An unsatisfied woman requires luxury, but a woman who is in love with a man will lie on a board.

A great man's manias must be respected, because the time required to combat them is too precious to waste.

It is restful to leave one's home; not because traveling does not entail varied and difficult daily actions, but because it removes our responsibilities.

Self-pity comes so naturally to all of us. The most solid happiness can be shaken by the compassion of a fool.

The need to express one's self in writing springs from a maladjustment of life, or from an inner conflict which the adolescent (or the grown man) cannot resolve in action.

The minds of different generations are as impenetrable one by the other as are the monads of Leibniz.

A great statesman, like a good housekeeper, knows that cleaning has to be done every morning.

When you become used to never being alone, you may consider yourself Americanised

Style is the hallmark of a temperament stamped upon the material at hand.

Medicine is a very old joke, but it still goes on.

Artificial inflation of stocks must be considered a crime as serious as counterfeiting, which it closely resembles.

Inspiration in matters of taste will not come twice.

People are discontent; men are troubled; and the literature is excellent.

If you value a man's regard, strive with him. As to liking, you like your newspaper - and despise it.