Jean de la Bruyère (French: [ʒɑ̃ də la bʁyjɛʁ]; 16 August 1645 – 11 May 1696) was a French philosopher and moralist, who was noted for his satire.
This great misfortune, to be incapable of solitude.
False glory is the rock of vanity; it seduces men to affect esteem by things which they indeed possess, but which are frivolous, and which for a man to value himself on would be a scandalous error.
I never have wit until I am below stairs. [Fr. , Je n'ai jamais d'esprit qu'au bas de l'escalier. ]
The Opera is obviously the first draft of a fine spectacle; it suggests the idea of one.
Such a great misfortune, not to be able to be alone.
Men regret their life has been ill-spent, but this does not always induce them to make a better use of the time they have yet to live.
The true spirit of conversation consists more in bringing out the cleverness of others than in showing a great deal of it yourself.
A man must be completely wanting in intelligence if he does not show it when actuated by love, malice, or necessity.
Mockery is often the result of a poverty of wit.
How happy the station which every moment furnishes opportunities of doing good to thousands! How dangerous that which every moment exposes to the injuring of millions!
The generality of men expend the early part of their lives in contributing to render the latter part miserable.
Eminent station makes great men more great, and little ones less.
The rarest things in the world, next to a spirit of discernment, are diamonds and pearls. [Fr. , Apres l'esprit de discernement, ce qu'il y a au monde de plus rare, ce sont les diamants et les perles. ]
An egotist will always speak of himself, either in praise or in censure, but a modest man ever shuns making himself the subject of his conversation.
As long as men are liable to die and are desirous to live, a physician will be made fun of, but he will be well paid.
Jesting is often only indigence of intellect.
The best way to get on in the world is to make people believe it's to their advantage to help you.
How much wit, good-nature, indulgences, how many good offices and civilities, are required among friends to accomplish in some years what a lovely face or a fine hand does in a minute!
Friendship * * * is a long time in forming, it is of slow growth, through many trials and months of familiarity.
A lofty birth or a large fortune portend merit, and cause it to be the sooner noticed.