Luc De Clapiers Quotes

In order to protect himself from force, man was obliged to submit to justice. Justice or force: he was compelled to choose between the two masters, so little are we made to be independent.

It is sometimes easier to form a party than to attain by degrees the head of a party already formed.

The counsels of old age give light without heat, like the sun in winter.

Vice foments war; it is virtue which actually fights. If there were no virtue, we would live in peace forever.

Truth is not so threadbare as speech, because fewer people can make use of it.

We don't have enough time to premeditate our actions.

We have neither the strength nor the opportunity to accomplish all the good and all the evil which we design.

To execute great things, one should live as though one would never die.

Glory fills the world with virtue, and, like a beneficent sun, covers the whole earth with flowers and with fruits.

The counsels of the old, like the winter sun, shine, but give no heat.

It is proof of a narrow mind when things worthy of esteem are distinguished from things worthy of love. Great minds naturally love whatever is worthy of their esteem.

Nothing endures except truth.

It is easier to say new things than to reconcile those which have already been said.

All erroneous ideas would perish of their own accord if given clear expression.

It is a great sign of mediocrity to praise always moderately.

Learn to overrule minor interest in favor of great ones, and generously to do all the good the heart prompts; a man is never injured by acting virtuously.

Magnanimity will not consider the prudence of its motives.

And where, on earth, dwell hope and truth? In childhood's uncorrupted heart; Alas! too soon to guileless youth The world doth its dark code impart!

Despair puts the last touch not only to our misery but also to our weakness.

No one is more liable to make mistakes than he who acts only on reflexion.

The light of the dawn is not so sweet as the first glimpses of fame.

To achieve great things, we must live as though we were never going to die.

Great thoughts come from the heart.

When thought is too weak to be simply expressed it's clear proof that it should be rejected.