“Faith is the consolation of the wretched and the terror of the happy.”

— Vauvenargues, Reflections and Maxims (1746), tr. E. Lee (1903)

About Vauvenargues

1715 – 1747

French moralist, author of "Reflections and Maxims" (1746).

“Patience is the art of hoping.”

“Necessity relieves us from the embarrassment of choice.”

“Those who continually slander, rarely do injury: they imagine more evil than they can accomplish.”

“He knew she was there by the joy and fear that overwhelmed his heart.”

“When in doubt, tell the truth.”

“I never "worry" about action, but only about inaction.”

“The superior man has neither anxiety nor fear.”

“Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably.”

“Isn't it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned?”