Jean de La Fontaine
Jean de La Fontaine
Jean de La Fontainewas the most famous French fabulist and one of the most widely read French poets of the 17th century. He is known above all for his Fables, which provided a model for subsequent fabulists across Europe and numerous alternative versions in France, and in French regional languages...
NationalityFrench
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth8 July 1621
CountryFrance
Jean de La Fontaine quotes about
two may said
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.
grace gentleman may
Let us not overstrain our talents, lest we do nothing gracefully: a clown, whatever he may do, will never pass for a gentleman. [Fr., Ne forcons point notre talent; Nous ne ferions rien avec grace: Jamais un lourdaud, quoi qu'il fasse, Ne saurit passer pour galant.]
may looks appearance
We love good looks rather than what is practical, Though good looks may prove destructive.
may affair prudence
Too many expedients may spoil an affair. [Fr., Le trop d'expedients peut gater une affaire.]
love tyrants may
O tyrant love, when held by you, We may to prudence bid adieu. [Fr., Amour! Amour! quand tu nous tiens On peut bien dire, Adieu, prudence.]
love dominion may
O love, when thou gettest dominion over us, we may bid good-by to prudence.
human-nature expenses flatterer
Be advised that all flatterers live at the expense of those who listen to them.
perseverance persistence brutes
Patience and perseverance at lengthAccomplish more than anger or brute strength.
adversity fool stills
Even if misfortune is only good for bringing a fool to his senses, it would still be just to deem it good for something.
We are never content with our lot.
good-friend desire wonderful
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.
break
I bend, but I do not break.
worst-times worst
The worst time is always the present.
change blow fonts
Neither blows from pitchfork, nor from the lash, can make him change his ways. [Fr., Coups de fourches ni d'etriveres, Ne lui font changer de manieres.]