Nicolas Chamfort
Nicolas Chamfort
Sébastien-Roch Nicolas, also known as Chamfort, was a French writer, best known for his witty epigrams and aphorisms. He was secretary to Louis XVI's sister, and of the Jacobin club...
NationalityFrench
ProfessionWriter
Date of Birth6 April 1741
CountryFrance
feet expression hands
There is as much expression in the feet as in the hands.
horse astonishment scandal
A fool who has a flash of wit creates astonishment and scandal, like hack-horses setting out to gallop.
friendship names air
He who disguises tyranny, protection, or even benefits under the air and name of friendship reminds me of the guilty priest who poisoned the sacramental bread.
friendship
Women bestow on friendship only what they borrow from love.
ignorance gossip may
It is among uneducated women that we may look for the most confirmed gossips. Goethe tells us there is nothing more frightful than bustling ignorance.
indifference command
She commands who is blest with indifference.
names long way
To possess a good cognomen is a long way on the road of success in life.
dog doe passing
Conscience is a dog that does not stop us from passing but that we cannot prevent from barking.
passion men lasts
His passions make man live, his wisdom merely makes him last.
women heart reflection
Men's hearts and faces are always wide asunder; women's are not only in close connection, but are mirror-like in the instant power of reflection.
vanity tongue egotism
Egotism is the tongue of vanity.
wrinkles together made
Wrinkles and ill-nature together made a woman hideous.
spices courtship discord
A modicum of discord is the very spice of courtship.
honor selfishness feeding
Covetousness is a sort of mental gluttony, not confined to money, but craving honor, and feeding on selfishness.