Jean de La Fontaine Quotes
1621–1695 France
Jean de La Fontaine (July 8 1621 – April 13 1695) is a famous French fabulist and the most widely read French poet of the 17th century.
- France
- Academics
- Novelists
- Poets
Also known as: Fontaine, Jean de Lafontaine, La Fontaine, La Fontaine, Jean de
Random Jean de La Fontaine quote
72 quotes
History some truths contains, which well may serve
For lessons. In my work you will observe
Ev'ry thing speaks — yea e'en the very fish —
And what they say, to ev'ry man a dish
Serves up; and I of animals make choice
That men may get instruction from their voice.
Fables (1668)
It is said, that the thing you possess is worth more than two you may have in the future. The one is sure and the other is not.
Ventre affamé n'a point d'oreilles.
Fables (1668)
No path of flowers leads to glory.
Fables (1668)
We then saw what St. Jerome said of those who serve God and those who serve the world: "Each to the other we seem insane": Invicem insanire videmur. There is a never-ending duel between the two.
Mémoires pour servir à l'histoire de Port-Royal (1752)
To live lightheartedly but not recklessly; to be gay without being boisterous; to be courageous without being bold; to show trust and cheerful resignation without fatalism — this is the art of living.
By the work one knows the workman.
A l'oeuvre on connaît l'artisan.
Fables (1668)
For thee I'll trace in verses which I write
Some sketches, paintings which indeed are light,
And if the prize of pleasing thee I do not bear away,
At least, the honour I shall have of having tried I say.
Fables (1668)
"They are too green", he said, "and only good for fools".
Fables (1668)
The sign brings customers.
Fables (1668)
We must laugh before we are happy, for fear we die before we laugh at all.
Misattributed