Luc de Clapiers
Luc de Clapiers
Luc de Clapiers, marquis de Vauvenargueswas a minor French writer, a moralist. He died at age 31, in broken health, having published the year prior—anonymously—a collection of essays and aphorisms with the encouragement of Voltaire, his friend. He first received public notice under his own name in 1797, and from 1857 on, his aphorisms became popular. In the history of French literature, his significance lies chiefly in his friendship with Voltaire...
NationalityFrench
ProfessionWriter
Date of Birth6 August 1715
CountryFrance
None are more liable to mistakes than those who act only on second thoughts.
When we feel that we lack whatever is needed to secure someone else's esteem, we are very close to hating him
When an idea is not robust enough to stand expression in simple terms, it is a sign that it should be rejected.
As a house implies a builder, and a garment a weaver, and a door a carpenter, so does the existence of the Universe imply a Creator.
Some of us would be greatly astonished to learn the reasons why others respect us.
Wit does not take the place of knowledge.
The character of false wit is that of appearing to depend only upon reason.
Hatred is keener than friendship, less keen than love.
Hope animates the wise, and lures the presumptuous and indolent who repose inconsiderately on her promises.
We can console ourselves for not having great talents as we console ourselves for not having great places. We can be above both in our hearts.
Courage is adversity's lamp.
If it is true that vice can never be done away with, the science of government consists of making it contribute to the public good.
In order to do great things, it is necessary to live as if one was never to die.
Our virtues are dearer to us the more we have had to suffer for them. It is the same with our children. All profound affection admits a sacrifice.