Quotes from Andre Maurois

Time is a factor in all action. An imperfect scheme put into action at the proper time is better than a perfect one accomplished too late.

The first recipe for happiness is: avoid too lengthy meditation on the past.

We don't love a woman for what she says, we like what she says because we love her.

Conversation would be vastly improved by the constant use of four simple words: I do not know.

We appreciate frankness from those who like us. Frankness from others is called insolence.

There are certain persons for whom pure Truth is a poison.

The longer the road to love, the keener is the pleasure...

An unsatisfied woman requires luxury, but a woman who is in love with a man will lie on a board.

Love born of anxiety resembles a thorn shaped so that efforts to pull it out of one's flesh merely cause it to penetrate more deeply therein.

The effectiveness of work increases according to geometrical progression if there are no interruptions.

He who wants to do everything will never do anything.

Few are they who have never had the chance to achieve happiness ... and fewer those who have taken that chance.

In literature as in love we are astounded by what is chosen by others.

Few are they who have never had a chance to achieve happiness-and fewer those who have taken that chance.

Self-pity comes so naturally to all of us.

The first recipe for happiness is: Avoid too lengthy meditations on the past.

Style is the hallmark of a temperament stamped upon the material at hand.

[...] marriage is one thing, and love is another...You need to have a solid canvas; nobody stops you to weave the arabesques.

A marriage without conflicts is almost as inconceivable as a nation without crises.

Memory is a great artist. For every man and for every woman it makes the recollection of his or her life a work of art and an unfaithful record.

You don't love a man for what he says, but love what he says because you love him.

Modesty and unselfishness - these are the virtues which men praise - and pass by.

If you value a man's regard, strive with him. As to liking, you like your newspaper - and despise it.

He who has found a good wife has found great happiness, but a quarrelsome woman is like a roof that lets in the rain.