Jean Racine's Quotes

On the throne, one has many worries; and remorse is the one that weighs the least.

The glory of my name increases my shame. Less known by mortals, I could better escape their eyes.

The principal rule of art is to please and to move. All the other rules were created to achieve this first one.

There is nothing so easy but that it becomes difficult when you do it with reluctance.

Too much virtue can be criminal.

There are no secrets that time does not reveal.

The quarrels of lovers are the renewal of love.

A tragedy need not have blood and death; it's enough that it all be filled with that majestic sadness that is the pleasure of tragedy.

I embrace my rival, but only to strangle him.

A noble heart cannot suspect in others the pettiness and malice that it has never felt.

Love is not a fire to be shut up in a soul. Everything betrays us: voice, silence, eyes; half-covered fires burn all the brighter.

According as the man is, so must you humour him.

I am a man, and nothing that concerns a man do I deem a matter of indifference to me.

Thank the Gods! My misery exceeds all my hopes!

Without money honor is merely a disease.

Do not they bring it to pass by knowing that they know nothing at all?

Hell, covering all with its gloomy vapors, has cast shadows on even the holiest eyes.

How good is God! How sweet his yoke!

I have everything, yet have nothing; and although I possess nothing, still of nothing am I in want.

I have pushed virtue to outright brutality.

I know the disposition of women: when you will, they won't; when you won't, they set their hearts upon you of their own inclination.

If I could believe that this was said sincerely, I could put up with anything.

In fine, nothing is said now that has not been said before.

Is a faith without action a sincere faith?

It behooves a prudent person to make trial of everything before arms.

It is a maxim of old that among themselves all things are common to friends.