Jean de La Fontaine

"Let us not overstrain our talents, lest we do nothing gracefully: a clown, whatever he may do, will never pass for a gentleman. [Fr., Ne forcons point notre talent; Nous ne ferions rien avec grace: Jamais un lourdaud, quoi qu'il fasse, Ne saurit passer pour galant.]"

5 likes

Source: Fables, IV. 5, as quoted in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations, p. 777, 1922.

About the author

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.

All quotes by Jean de La Fontaine →

Same author

More quotes by Jean de La Fontaine

See all →