“Clemency is the noblest trait Which can reveal a true monarch to the world.”

— Pierre Corneille, Cinna (1641), act IV, scene iii

About Pierre Corneille

1606 – 1684

French dramatist, one of the three great tragedians of 17th-century France, author of 'Le Cid'.

“One often calms one's grief by recounting it.”

“Reason and love are sworn enemies.”

“As great as kings may be, they are what we are: they can err like other men.”

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”