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
wise ignorance ignorant
Nothing is so dangerous as an ignorant friend; a wise enemy is worth more. [Fr., Rien n'est si dangereux qu'un ignorant ami; Mieux vaudrait un sage ennemi.]
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.]
complaining jupiter should
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.
car deceit deceiving
It is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver. [Fr., Car c'est double plaisir de tromper le trompeur.]
dream reality men
Every one turns his dreams into realities as far as he can; man is cold as ice to the truth, hot as fire to falsehood.
exercise men age
Men of all ages have the same inclinations, over which reason exercises no control. Thus, wherever men are found, there are follies, ay, and the same follies.
judging long appearance
Garde-toi, tant que tu vivras, De juger des gens sur la mine. Beware as long as you live, Of judging others according to appearance alone.