Joseph Joubert

The paper is patient, but the reader is not.

TIME and truth are friends, though there are many moments hostile to truth.

A work is perfectly finished only when nothing can be added to it and nothing taken away.

We live in an age in which superfluous ideas abound and essential ideas are lacking.

Words, like glasses, obscure everything they do not make clear. Before using a fine word, make a place for it.

Before using a fine word, make a place for it.

Professional critics are incapable of distinguishing and appreciating either diamonds in the rough or gold in bars. They are traders, and in literature know only the coins that are current. Their critical lab has scales and weights, but neither crucible or touchstone.

To be capable of respect is almost as rare as to be worthy of it.

The mind's direction is more important than its progress.

Drawing is speaking to the eye; talking is painting to the ear.

Common sense suits itself to the ways of the world. Wisdom tries to confirm to the ways of heaven.

Old age deprives the intelligent man only of qualities useless to wisdom.

When a nation gives birth to a man who is able to produce a great thought, another is born who is able to understand and admire it.

The evening of a well spent youth brings it's lamps with it.

Children need models rather than critics.