Quotes from Joseph Joubert

We know God easily, if we do not constrain ourselves to define him.

God is the place where I do not remember the rest.

God multiplies intelligence, which communicates itself, like fire, ad infinitum. Light a thousand torches at one touch, the flame remains always the same.

Agriculture engenders good sense, and good sense of an excellent kind.

In really good acting we should be able to believe that what we hear and see is of our own imagining; it should seem to be to us as a charming dream.

If you are poor, distinguish yourself by your virtues; if rich, by your good deeds.

There is graciousness and a kind of urbanity in beginning with men by esteem and confidence. It proves, at least, that we have long lived in good company with others and with our selves.

Misery is almost always the result of thinking.

We use up in the passions the stuff that was given us for happiness.

It is an aspect of all happiness to suppose that we deserve it.

Virtue is the health of the soul.

Politeness is the flower of humanity.

There is always some frivolity in excellent minds; they have wings to rise, but also stray.

He who has imagination without learning has wings but no feet.

Imagination is the eye of the soul.

One who has imagination without learning has wings without feet.

Genius begins great works; labor alone finishes them.

Mediocrity is excellence in the eyes of the mediocre.

Chance generally favors the prudent.

Proverbs may be said to be the abridgment of wisdom.

The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress.

No one is mediocre who has good sense and good sentiments.

A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.

We should do good whenever we can and do kindness at all times, for at all times we can.