Chamfort
Chamfort
Sébastien-Roch Nicolas, also known as Chamfort, was a French writer, best known for his witty epigrams and aphorisms. He was secretary to Louis XVI's sister, and of the Jacobin club...
reality may illusion
Pleasure may come from illusion, but happiness can come only of reality.
marriage
Marriage, as practised by high society, is arranged indecency.
happiness illusion pleasure
Pleasure can be supported by an illusion; but happiness rests upon truth.
passion men lasts
It is passion that makes man live; wisdom makes one only last.
soul world this-world
It must be admitted that there are some parts of the soul which we must entirely paralyse before we can live happily in this world.
mistake believe intelligent
Intelligent people make many mistakes because they cannot believe the world is really as foolish as it is.
dog doe passing
Conscience is a dog that does not stop us from passing but that we cannot prevent from barking.
adversity men two
There are two things that one must get used to or one will find life unendurable: the damages of time and injustices of men.
children perfect wife
Bachelors' wives and old maids' children are always perfect.
lying hypocrisy modesty
Of lies, false modesty is the most decent.
children memories past
It is children only who enjoy the present; their elders either live on the memory of the past or the hope of the future.
inspiring travel thinking
Contemplation often makes life miserable. We should act more, think less, and stop watching ourselves live.
class two society
Society is divided into two classes, the shearers and the shorn.
life positive happiness
The most wasted day of all is that on which we have not laughed.