Jean de La Fontaine Quotes - Page 4

O love, when thou gettest dominion over us, we may bid good-by to prudence.

One often has need of one inferior to himself.

Better to suffer than to die.

The argument of the strongest is always the best.

It is good to be charitable; but to whom? That is the point. As to the ungrateful, there is not one who does not at last die miserable.

One should stick to the sort of thing for which one was made; I tried to be an herbalist, Whereas I should keep to the butchers trade.

Women keep no secrets, and I know many men, who are women in this regard.

We ought never to scoff at the wretched, for who can be sure of continued happiness?

What a wonderful thing it is to have a good friend. He identifies your innermost desires, and spares you the embarrassment of disclosing them to him yourself.

Le mensonge et les vers de tout temps sont amis. Lies and literature have always been friends.

But every one has a besetting sin to which he returns.

One should oblige everyone to the extent of one's ability. One often needs someone smaller than oneself.

There's nothing sweeter than a real friend: Not only is he prompt to lend— An angler delicate, he fishes The very deepest of your wishes, And spares your modesty the task His friendly aid to ask. A dream, a shadow, wakes his fear, When pointing at the object dear.

Better to rely on one powerful king than on many little princes.

You've tried to reform what will not learn. Shut doors on traits that you wish were dead; They will open a window and return.

There is no road of flowers leading to glory.

Our condition never satisfies us; the present is always the worst. Though Jupiter should grant his request to each, we should continue to importune him.

The best laid plot can injure its maker, and often a man's perfidy will rebound on himself.

Rogues are always found out in some way. Whoever is a wolf will act like a wolf, that is most certain.

We ought to consider the end in everything.

Be advised that all flatterers live at the expense of those who listen to them.

It is impossible to please all the world and one's father.

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver. [Fr., Car c'est double plaisir de tromper le trompeur.]

Blind fortune pursues inconsiderate rashness. [Fr., Fortune aveugle suit aveugle hardiesse.]

The fastidious are unfortunate: nothing can satisfy them. [Lat., Les delicats sont malheureux, Rien ne saurait les satisfaire.]