Quotes from Jean de La Fontaine

He knows the universe and does not know himself.

Example is a dangerous lure: where the wasp got through the gnat sticks fast.

One returns to the place one came from.

Dressed in the lion's skin, the ass spread terror far and wide.

We read on the foreheads of those who are surrounded by a foolish luxury, that fortune sells what she is thought to give.

Nothing is as dangerous as an ignorant friend; a wise enemy is to be preferred.

Every flatterer lives at the expense of him who listens to him.

From a distance it is something and nearby it is nothing.

There is no road of flowers leading to glory.

Death never takes the wise man by surprise, he is always ready to go.

Patience and time do more than strength or passion.

Everyone calls himself a friend, but only a fool relies on it; nothing is commoner than the name, nothing rarer than the thing.

Help thyself and Heaven will help thee.

But the shortest works are always the best.

Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion; even a prudent enemy is preferable.

Love cries victory when the tears of a woman become the sole defence of her virtue.

Anyone entrusted with power will abuse it if not also animated with the love of truth and virtue, no matter whether he be a prince, or one of the people.

O love, when thou gettest dominion over us, we may bid good-by to prudence.

O tyrant love, when held by you, We may to prudence bid adieu. [Fr., Amour! Amour! quand tu nous tiens On peut bien dire, Adieu, prudence.]

We love good looks rather than what is practical, Though good looks may prove destructive.

One often has need of one, inferior to himself.

Man is ice to truth and fire to falsehood.

Every journalist owes tribute to the evil one.

Even if misfortune is only good for bringing a fool to his senses, it would still be just to deem it good for something.