WIST

In order to carry out great enterprises, one must live as if one will never have to die.

Luc, Marquis de Vauvenargues (1715-1747) French soldier and moralist
(Attributed)

The lazy are always wanting to do something.

Luc, Marquis de Vauvenargues (1715-1747) French soldier and moralist
(Attributed)

Men’s maxims reveal their characters.

Luc, Marquis de Vauvenargues (1715-1747) French soldier and moralist
(Attributed)

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

Luc, Marquis de Vauvenargues (1715-1747) French soldier and moralist
(Attributed)

We should expect the best and the worst from mankind, as from the weather.

Luc, Marquis de Vauvenargues (1715-1747) French soldier and moralist
Reflections and Maxims, #102 (1746) [tr. Stevens (1940)]

Men’s maxims reveal their character.

Luc, Marquis de Vauvenargues (1715-1747) French soldier and moralist
Reflections and Maxims, #107 (1746) [tr Stevens (1940)]

The principle of the mind does not differ from that of the body, which cannot be sustained without constant nourishment.

Luc, Marquis de Vauvenargues (1715-1747) French soldier and moralist
Reflections and Maxims, #194 (1746) [tr. Stevens (1940)]

The strength or weakness of our conviction depends more on our courage than on our intelligence.

Luc, Marquis de Vauvenargues (1715-1747) French soldier and moralist
Reflections and Maxims, #318 (1746) [tr. F. Stevens (1940)]

Despair is a greater deceiver than hope.

Luc, Marquis de Vauvenargues (1715-1747) French soldier and moralist
Reflections and Maxims, #455 (1746) [tr. F. Stevens (1940)]

When we feel that we lack whatever is needed to secure someone else’s esteem, we are very close to hating him.

Luc, Marquis de Vauvenargues (1715-1747) French soldier and moralist
Réflexions et maximes (c. 1747)

Men despise great projects when they do not feel themselves capable of great successes.

Luc, Marquis de Vauvenargues (1715-1747) French soldier and moralist
Réflexions et maximes (c. 1747)