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Poems List

They [the poor] have to labour in the face of the majestic equality of the law, which forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.

Le Lys rouge (1894) ch. 7

2

In every well-governed state, wealth is a sacred thing; in democracies it is the only sacred thing.

L’Île des pingouins (1908) pt. 6, ch. 2

1
We may despair of knowing, we must not despair of judging.
2
It is human nature to think wisely and act in an absurd fashion.
Word-carpentry is like any other kind of carpentry: you must join your sentences smoothly.
3
You become a good writer just as you become a good joiner: by planing down your sentences.
2
When a thing has been said and well said, have no scruple; take it and copy it. Give references? Why should you? Either your readers know where you have taken the passage and the precaution is needless, or they do not know and you humiliate them.
1

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Anatole France (April 16, 1844 - October 12, 1924), born François-Anatole Thibault, was a French poet, journalist, and novelist. Considered one of the greatest French writers of his generation, France was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1921 "in recognition of his brilliant literary achievements, characterized by nobility of style, profound human sympathy, grace, and a true Gallic temperament." Born in Paris, his work is marked by a classical style, subtle irony, and a deep skepticism towards established institutions and beliefs. His novels, such as "The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard" (1881) and "Penguin Island" (1908), explore human nature with wit and a humanist perspective. France was also an influential literary critic and a defender of social and political causes, although his stance evolved throughout his life. He became a respected and admired literary figure throughout Europe, and his legacy endures as an example of stylistic mastery and critical thinking.