Quotes from Joseph Joubert

The God of metaphysics is but an idea. But the God of religion, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sovereign Judge of actions and thoughts, is a power.

The early and the latter part of human life are the best, or, at least, the most worthy of respect; the one as the age of innocence, the other of reason.

To be capable of respect is almost as rare as to be worthy of it.

You want to talk to someone; first open your ears.

There is an admiration which is the daughter of knowledge.

Never be sad for what is over, just be glad it was once yours. Kindness is loving people more than they deserve.

The evening of life brings with it its lamps.

Illusion and wisdom combined are the charm of life and art.

Without the spiritual world the material world is a disheartening enigma.

Virtue is the health of the soul. It gives a flavor to the smallest leaves of life.

The direction of the mind is more important than its progress.

How many weak shoulders have craved heavy burdens!

Strength is not energy; some authors have more muscles than talent.

Living requires but little life; doing requires much.

Without duty, life is sort of boneless; it cannot hold itself together.

To teach is to learn twice. About all some parents accomplish in life is to send a child to Harvard. The purpose of a liberal education is to make one's mind a pleasant place to spend one's leisure.

If fortune wishes to make a man estimable, she gives him virtues; if she wishes to make him esteemed, she gives him success.

Success serves men as a pedestal. It makes them seem greater when not measured by reflection.

When you go in search of honey, you must expect to be stung by bees.

Good impulses are naught, unless they become good actions.

Without duty, life is soft and boneless.

Our life is woven wind.

It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.

Only choose in marriage a man whom you would choose as a friend if he were a woman.