Anatole France Quotes

The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself a fool.

Anatole France



That man is prudent who neither hopes nor fears anything from the uncertain events of the future.
Anatole France




The average man does not know what to do with this life, yet wants another one which will last forever.
Anatole France



We do not know what to do with this short life, yet we want another which will be eternal.
Anatole France



Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.
Anatole France



Existence would be intolerable if we were never to dream.
Anatole France



History books that contain no lies are extremely dull.
Anatole France



Innocence most often is a good fortune and not a virtue.
Anatole France



Irony is the gaiety of reflection and the joy of wisdom.
Anatole France



What frightens us most in a madman is his sane conversation.
Anatole France



What can be more foolish than to think that all this rare fabric of heaven and earth could come by chance, when all the skill of art is not able to make an oyster!
Anatole France



It is only the poor who pay cash, and that not from virtue, but because they are refused credit.
Anatole France



The good critic is he who relates the adventures of his soul among masterpieces.
Anatole France



There are very honest people who do not think that they have had a bargain unless they have cheated a merchant.
Anatole France



A person is never happy except at the price of some ignorance.
Anatole France



Chance is perhaps the pseudonym of God when he did not want to sign.
Anatole France



Ignorance and error are necessary to life, like bread and water.
Anatole France



Without lies humanity would perish of despair and boredom.
Anatole France