The things we know best are the things we haven't been taught. Luc de Clapiers More Quotes by Luc de Clapiers More Quotes From Luc de Clapiers The best things are the most common. Luc de Clapiers best-things common We have neither the strength nor the opportunity to accomplish all the good and all the evil which we design. Luc de Clapiers design evil opportunity Obscurity is the kingdom of error. Luc de Clapiers obscurity errors kingdoms The maxim that men are not to be praised before their death was invented by envy and too lightly adopted by philosophers. I, on the contrary, maintain that they ought to be praised in their lifetime if they merit it; but jealousy and calumny, roused against their virtue or their talent, labour to degrade them if any one ventures to bear testimony to them. It is unjust criticism that they should fear to hazard, not sincere praise. Luc de Clapiers unjust-criticism envy men The light of the dawn is not so sweet as the first glimpses of fame. Luc de Clapiers light dawn sweet The falsest of all philosophies is that which, under the pretext of delivering men from the embarrassment of their passions, counsels idleness and the abandonment and neglect of themselves. Luc de Clapiers passion men philosophy If children had teachers for judgment and eloquence just as they have for languages, if their memory was exercised less than their energy or their natural genius, if instead of deadening their vivacity of mind we tried to elevate the free scope and impulse of their souls, what might not result from a fine disposition? As it is, we forget that courage, or love of truth and glory are the virtues that matter most in youth; and our one endeavour is to subdue our children's spirits, in order to teach them that dependence and suppleness are the first laws of success in life. Luc de Clapiers teacher memories children Those who fear men like laws. Luc de Clapiers law men If passion sometimes counsels greater boldness than does reflection, it gives more strength to execute it. Luc de Clapiers passion reflection giving Hope animates the wise, and lures the presumptuous and indolent who repose inconsiderately on her promises. Luc de Clapiers hope wise promise Persons of rank do not talk about such trifles as the common people do; but the common people do not busy themselves about such frivolous things as do persons of rank. Luc de Clapiers busy common people Our opinion of others is not so variable as our opinion of ourselves. Luc de Clapiers variables opinion Glory fills the world with virtue, and, like a beneficent sun, covers the whole earth with flowers and with fruits. Luc de Clapiers fruit flower sun Hatred is keener than friendship, less keen than love. Luc de Clapiers hatred To withdraw ourselves from the law of the strong, we have found ourselves obliged to submit to justice. Justice or might, we must choose between these two masters. Luc de Clapiers strong law two As a house implies a builder, and a garment a weaver, and a door a carpenter, so does the existence of the Universe imply a Creator. Luc de Clapiers house doe doors We can console ourselves for not having great talents as we console ourselves for not having great places. We can be above both in our hearts. Luc de Clapiers contentment talent heart Courage is adversity's lamp. Luc de Clapiers lamps adversity courage Wit does not take the place of knowledge. Luc de Clapiers wit doe 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. Luc de Clapiers government vices done
