Jean de La Fontaine Quotations

Be advised that all flatterers live at the expense of those who listen to them.

Patience and perseverance at lengthAccomplish more than anger or brute strength.

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.

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.

I bend, but I do not break.

The worst time is always the present.

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.]

Our condition never satisfies us; the present is always the worst. Though Jupiter should grant his request to each, we should continue to importune him.

It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver. [Fr., Car c'est double plaisir de tromper le trompeur.]