Anatole France

Existence would be intolerable if we were never to dream. ”

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

I prefer the folly of enthusiasm to the indifference of wisdom. ”

Silence is the wit of fools. ”

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

It is well for the heart to be naive and the mind not to be. ”

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

I thank fate for having made me born poor. Poverty taught me the true value of the gifts useful to life. ”

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

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