Quotes from Jean de la Bruyere

There are no ugly women there are only women who do not know how to look pretty.

The slave has but one master, the ambitious man has as many as there are persons whose aid may contribute to the advancement of his fortunes.

Laziness begat wearisomeness, and this put men in quest of diversions, play and company, on which however it is a constant attendant; he who works hard, has enough to do with himself otherwise.

There is no employment in the world so laborious as that of making to one's self a great name; life ends before one has scarcely made the first rough draught of his work.

A slave has but one master; an ambitious man has as many masters as there are people who may be useful in bettering his position.

When what you read elevates your mind and fills you with noble aspirations, look for no other rule by which to judge a book; it is good, and is the work of a master-hand.

The most accomplished literary work would be reduced to nothing by carping criticism, if the author would listen to all critics and allow every one to erase the passage which pleases him the least.

It is not so easy to obtain a reputation by a perfect work as to enhance the value of an indifferent one by a reputation already acquired.

He who tip-toes cannot stand; he who strides cannot walk.

Tyranny has no need of arts or sciences, for its policy, which is very shallow and without any refinement, only consists in shedding blood.

Caprice in woman is the antidote to beauty.

How much wit, good-nature, indulgences, how many good offices and civilities, are required among friends to accomplish in some years what a lovely face or a fine hand does in a minute!

We must strive to make ourselves really worthy of some employment. We need pay no attention to anything else; the rest is the business of others.

The unfaithful woman, if she is known for such by the person concerned, is only unfaithful. If she is thought faithful, she is perfidious.

The wise person often shuns society for fear of being bored.

One mark of a second-rate mind is to be always telling stories.

Death happens but once, yet we feel it every moment of our lives; it is worse to dread it than to suffer it.

If some persons died, and others did not die, death would be a terrible affliction.

When we are young we lay up for old age; when we are old we save for death.

Time makes friendship stronger, but love weaker.

If some persons died and others did not die death would indeed be a terrible affliction.

When a book raises your spirit, and inspires you with noble and manly thoughts, seek for no other test of its excellence. It is good, and made by a good workman.

As long as men are liable to die and are desirous to live, a physician will be made fun of, but he will be well paid

Two persons cannot long be friends if they cannot forgive each other's little failings.