Quotes by La Bruyère

The pleasure of criticizing robs us of the pleasure of being moved by some very fine things.

— La Bruyère

Wisdom

Liberality consists less in giving a great deal than in gifts well timed.

— La Bruyère

Wisdom

We must laugh before we are happy for fear of dying without having laughed at all.

— La Bruyère

Courage

When life is miserable it is painful to endure it; when it is happy it is horrible to lose it; both come to the same thing. Life is something to do when you can't get to sleep.

— La Bruyère

Happiness

At the beginning and at the end of love the two lovers are embarrassed to find themselves alone.

— La Bruyère

Love

There are few women so perfect that their husbands do not regret having married them at least once a day.

— La Bruyère

Wisdom

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.

— La Bruyère

Wisdom

To endeavor to forget anyone is a certain way of thinking of nothing else.

— La Bruyère

Wisdom

There is a report that Piso is dead; it is a great loss; he was an honest man, who deserved to live longer; he was intelligent and agreeable, resolute and courageous, to be depended upon, generous and faithful. Add: provided he is really dead.

— La Bruyère

Courage

Those who make the worst use of their time most complain of its shortness.

— La Bruyère

Wisdom