Jean de La Fontaine

Jean de La Fontaine

Poet, Fabulist

Jean de La Fontaine was a French poet renowned for his fables that blend humor with moral lessons, influencing literature and moral philosophy.

Men May People Inspirational Life Fool
Born
July 8, 1621
Died
April 13, 1695
Quotes
154
Rank
#469

About Jean de La Fontaine

Jean de La Fontaine — Life and Legacy

Jean de La Fontaine, a prominent 17th-century French poet, is best known for his fables that cleverly intertwine human nature with the animal kingdom. His distinctive approach to storytelling not only entertained but also imparted moral lessons, making complex human behaviors accessible to all. Through quotes like 'A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it,' La Fontaine reveals his understanding of irony and the unpredictable nature of life. He challenged social norms by using satire to critique the aristocracy and societal behaviors, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives. His work remains significant today, as it continues to resonate with themes of wisdom and nature, prompting readers to consider the deeper meanings behind their actions and the world around them.

Quote collection

Jean de La Fontaine quotes (page 1 of 8)

154 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Jean de La Fontaine Poet, Fabulist
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"A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it."

Fate Journey Destiny
Read quote 96 likes
Jean de La Fontaine Poet, Fabulist
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"Death never takes the wise man by surprise, he is always ready to go."

Death Wise Men
Read quote 76 likes
Jean de La Fontaine Poet, Fabulist
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"All the brains in the world are powerless against the sort of stupidity that is in fashion."

Fashion Stupidity Brain
Read quote 62 likes
Jean de La Fontaine Poet, Fabulist
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"Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion; even a prudent enemy is preferable."

Friendship Life And Love Enemy
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Jean de La Fontaine Poet, Fabulist
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"It is twice the pleasure to deceive the deceiver."

Lying Hype Deception
Read quote 43 likes
Jean de La Fontaine Poet, Fabulist
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"Beware, so long as you live, of judging men by their outward appearance."

Men Judging People Long
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Jean de La Fontaine Poet, Fabulist
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"To live lightheartedly but not recklessly; to be gay without being boisterous; to be courageous without being bold; to show trust and cheerful resignation without fatalism - this is the art of living."

Life Art Gay
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Jean de La Fontaine Poet, Fabulist
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"Dressed in the lion's skin, the ass spread terror far and wide."

Skins Lioness Lions
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Jean de La Fontaine Poet, Fabulist
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"A hungry stomach cannot hear."

Hungry Stomach
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Jean de La Fontaine Poet, Fabulist
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"Nothing is so oppressive as a secret: women find it difficult to keep one long; and I know a goodly number of men who are women in this regard."

Men Numbers Long
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Jean de La Fontaine Poet, Fabulist
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"Nothing weighs on us so heavily as a secret."

Secret
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Jean de La Fontaine Poet, Fabulist
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"Often we find our own destiny on the same roads that we have been avoiding."

Destiny Avoiding Has Beens
Read quote 27 likes