309 Quotes by Anatole France

For a man’s life would become intolerable, if he knew what was going to happen to him. He would be made aware of future evils, and would suffer their agonies in advance, while he would get no joy of present blessings since he would know how they would end. Ignorance is the necessary condition of human happiness, and it has to be admitted that on the whole mankind observes that condition well. We are almost entirely ignorant of ourselves; absolutely of others. In ignorance, we find our bliss; in illusions, our happiness.

The finest words in the world are only vain sounds if you cannot understand them.

The finest words in the world are only vain sounds, if you cannot comprehend them

It is only the poor who are forbidden to beg.

All the good writers of confessions, from Augustine onwards, are men who are still a little in love with their sins.

All the historical books which contain no lies are extremely tedious

Our passions are ourselves.

The future is hidden even from those who make it.

I do not know any reading more easy, more fascinating, more delightful than a catalogue.