Luc de Clapiers Quotes

The greatest achievement of the human spirit is to live up to one’s opportunities and make the most of one’s resources.

The character of false wit is that of appearing to depend only upon reason.

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.

To achieve great things we must live as though we were never going to die.

In order to protect himself from force, man was obliged to submit to justice. Justice or force: he was compelled to choose between the two masters, so little are we made to be independent.

When we are sick our virtues and our vices are in abeyance.

He who seeks fame by the practice of virtue asks only for what he deserves.

Whatever affection we have for our friends or relations, the happiness of others never suffices for our own.

The best things are the most common.

Servitude debases men to the point where they end up liking it.

Some authors regard morality in the same light as we regard modern architecture. Convenience is the first thing to be looked for.

Magnanimity will not consider the prudence of its motives.