Luc de Clapiers
Luc de Clapiers
Luc de Clapiers, marquis de Vauvenargueswas a minor French writer, a moralist. He died at age 31, in broken health, having published the year prior—anonymously—a collection of essays and aphorisms with the encouragement of Voltaire, his friend. He first received public notice under his own name in 1797, and from 1857 on, his aphorisms became popular. In the history of French literature, his significance lies chiefly in his friendship with Voltaire...
NationalityFrench
ProfessionWriter
Date of Birth6 August 1715
CountryFrance
Luc de Clapiers quotes about
If anyone accuses me of contradicting myself, I shall reply; I have been wrong once or more often, however I do not aspire to be always wrong.
We should expect the best and the worst from mankind as from the weather.
Consciousness of our powers augments them.
The lazy are always wanting to do something.
Necessity relieves us from the embarrassment of choice.
We don't have enough time to premeditate our actions.
Simple truths are a relief from grand speculations.
There are those who are so scrupulously afraid of doing wrong that they seldom venture to do anything.
Learn to overrule minor interest in favor of great ones, and generously to do all the good the heart prompts; a man is never injured by acting virtuously.
It is proof of a narrow mind when things worthy of esteem are distinguished from things worthy of love. Great minds naturally love whatever is worthy of their esteem.
Our virtues are dearer to us the more we have had to suffer for them. It is the same with our children. All profound affection admits a sacrifice.
Jealousy is the paralysis of love.
In order to do great things, it is necessary to live as if one was never to die.
If it is true that vice can never be done away with, the science of government consists of making it contribute to the public good.