Quotes from Anatole France

I cling to my imperfection, as the very essence of my being.

Unhappiness does make people look stupid

Human affairs inspire in noble hearts only two feelingsóadmiration or pity.

Justice is the means by which established injustices are sanctioned.

It is a human nature to think wisely and act foolishly.

The Law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich, as well as the poor, to sleep under the bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.

It is almost impossible systematically to constitute a natural moral law. Nature has no principles. She furnishes us with no reason to believe that human life is to be respected. Nature, in her indifference, makes no distinction between good and evil.

Nature has no principles. She makes no distinction between good and evil.

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

History books that contain no lies are extremely dull.

To imagine is everything, to know is nothing at all.

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

Lovers who love truly do not write down their happiness.

The duty of literature is to note what counts, and to light up what is suited to the light. If it ceases to choose and to love, it becomes like a woman who gives herself without preference.

Those who have given themselves the most concern about the happiness of peoples have made their neighbors very miserable.

I do not know any reading more easy, more fascinating, more delightful than a catalogue.

An education which does not cultivate the will is an education that depraves the mind.

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

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.

When a history book contains no lies it is always tedious.

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

Only men who are not interested in women are interested in women's clothes. Men who like women never notice what they wear.

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

Religion has done love a great service by making it a sin.