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If children had teachers for judgment and eloquence as they have for languages, if their memory was exercised less than their energy or their natural genius, if instead of deadening their vivacity of mind we tried to elevate the free scope and impulses of their souls, what might not result from a fine disposition? As it is, we forget that courage, or love of truth and glory are the virtues that matter most in youth; and our one endeavor is to subdue our children’s spirits, in order to teach them that dependence and suppleness are the first laws of success in life.

— Luc de Clapiers, Marquis de Vauvenargues Reflections and Maxims (1746)

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Youth

More quotes by Luc de Clapiers, Marquis de Vauvenargues

Necessity relieves us from the embarrassment of choice.

Reflections and Maxims (1746)

It is not true that equality is a law of nature. nature has made nothing equal, her sovereign law is subordination and dependence.

Reflections and Maxims (1746)

Hope deceives more men than cunning does.

Reflections and Maxims (1746)

Great thoughts come from the heart.

Reflections and Maxims (1746)

Those who continually slander, rarely do injury: they imagine more evil than they can accomplish.

Reflections and Maxims (1746)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Luc de Clapiers, Marquis de Vauvenargues (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.