Anatole France Quotes

Anatole France was a French poet, journalist, and novelist. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1921 for his literary works. France's novels and essays explored social and political themes, and his writing reflected his skepticism toward established institutions. His contributions to literature have made him a significant figure in French literary history.

The poor have to labour in the face of the majestic equality of the law, which forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.

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

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

Lovers who love truly do not write down their happ... -Anatole France

Lovers who love truly do not write down their happiness.

Irony is the gaiety of reflection and the joy of w... -Anatole France

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

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

Wandering re-establishes the original harmony whic... -Anatole France

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

Devout believers are safeguarded in a high degree against the risk of certain neurotic illnesses; their acceptance of the universal neurosis spares them the task of constructing a personal one.

We reproach people for talking about themselves; b... -Anatole France

We reproach people for talking about themselves; but it is the subject they treat best.

When a thing has been said and well, have no scrup... -Anatole France

When a thing has been said and well, have no scruple. Take it and copy it.

The truth is that life is delicious, horrible, charming, frightful, sweet, bitter, and that is everything.

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

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

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

The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards.

A person is never happy except at the price of som... -Anatole France

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

No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is free, no one ever will. Chance is the pseudonym of God when he did not want to sign.

It is human nature to think wisely and act in an a... -Anatole France

It is human nature to think wisely and act in an absurd fashion.

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, ... -Anatole France

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

Ignorance and error are necessary to life, like br... -Anatole France

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

That man is prudent who neither hopes nor fears an... -Anatole France

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

The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man k... -Anatole France

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

Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul... -Anatole France

Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.

Discovering the context

This quote emphasizes the transformative power of love for animals, as it awakens and enriches a significant part of one's soul.

Chance is perhaps the pseudonym of God when he did... -Anatole France

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

Discovering the context

Offering a philosophical perspective that chance or randomness can be perceived as the hidden hand or mysterious workings of a divine power, particularly when the intentions or reasons are unknown.