34 quotes
The jealous is possessed by a "fine mad devil" and a dull spirit at once.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
Superstition always inspires littleness, religion grandeur of mind: the superstitious raises beings inferior to himself to deities.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
Who makes quick use of the moment is a genius of prudence.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
The discovery of truth by slow progressive meditation is wisdom. Intuition of truth, not preceded by perceptible meditation, is genius.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
Say not you know another entirely, till you have divided an inheritance with him.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
You may tell a man, thou art a fiend, but not, your nose wants blowing. To him alone who can bear a thing of that kind, you may tell all.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
He who, when called upon to speak a disagreeable truth, tells it boldly and has done, is both bolder and milder than he who nibbles in a low voice, and never ceases nibbling.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
Who in the same given time can produce more than others has vigor; who can produce more and better, has talents; who can produce what none else can, has genius.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
The prudent sees only the difficulties, the bold only the advantages, of a great enterprise; the hero sees both, diminishes those, makes these preponderate, and conquers.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
If you mean to know yourself, interline such of these aphorisms as affect you agreeably in reading, and set a mark to such as left a sense of uneasiness with you; and then show your copy to whom you please.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
Too much gravity argues a shallow mind.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
The public seldom forgive twice.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
I am prejudiced in favour of him who can solicit boldly, without imprudence. He has faith in humanity — he has faith in himself. No one who is not accustomed to give grandly can ask nobly and with boldness.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)
Venerate four characters: the sanguine, who has checked volatility and the rage for pleasure; the choleric, who has subdued passion and pride; the phlegmatic, emerged from indolence; and the melancholy, who has dismissed avarice, suspicion and asperity.
Aphorisms on Man (1788)