It is with many enterprises as with striking fire; we do not meet with success except by reiterated efforts, and often at the instant when we despaired of success. Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon More Quotes by Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon More Quotes From Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon Contempt is the only way to triumph over calumny. Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon triumph disrespect way There is an important difference between love and friendship. While the former delights in extremes and opposites, the latter demands equality. Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon opposites love friendship The true way to soften one's troubles is to solace those of others. Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon women adversity inspirational Pleasure and pain, the good and the bad, are so intermixed that we can not shun the one without depriving ourselves of the other. Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon pleasure pain evil Delicacy is to love what grace is to beauty. Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon delicacy grace love Woman softens her own troubles by generously solacing those of others. Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon trouble comfort Who would venture upon the journey of life, if compelled to begin it at the end? Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon venture journey life Philosophy may raise us above grandeur, but nothing can elevate us above the ennui which accompanies it. Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon greatness may philosophy Sin is not so sinful as hypocrisy. Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon sin hypocrisy three-fourths of all marriages are unhappy. Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon marriage three unhappy Hope says to us constantly, "Go on, go on..." Francoise d'Aubigne, Marquise de Maintenon hope goes-on