Man is so made that when anything fires his soul, impossibilities vanish.
Jean De La FontaineRead
Nothing is more dangerous than a friend without discretion; even a prudent enemy is preferable.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A friend who lacks discretion can cause more harm than a cautious enemy.
This quote suggests that a friend's inability to keep confidences or act with prudence can be more harmful than having an enemy who is careful and measured in their actions. It emphasizes the importance of trust and the potential dangers posed by those who betray confidences or act recklessly within relationships.
Themes
FriendshipDiscretionTrustEnemyPrudent
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing the value of trust in a friendship during a speech at a community event.
More from Jean De La Fontaine
All quotes βIn everything one must consider the end.
Jean De La FontaineRead
Anyone entrusted with power will abuse it if not also animated with the love of truth and virtue, no matter whether he be a prince, or one of the people.
Jean De La FontaineRead
It is good to be charitable; but to whom? That is the point. As to the ungrateful, there is not one who does not at last die miserable.
Jean De La FontaineRead
Let ignorance talk as it will, learning has its value.
Jean De La FontaineRead
Death never takes the wise man by surprise, he is always ready to go.
Jean De La FontaineRead
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