Jean de La Fontaine

I of animals make choice that men may get instruction from their voice.

History some truths contains, which well may serve for lessons.

Learn now that every flatterer lives at the cost of those who give him credit.

The opinion of the strongest is always the best.

By the work one knows the workman.

Patience and time do more than strength or passion.

Dressed in the lion's skin, the ass spread terror far and wide.

Beware, as long as you live, of judging people by appearances.

Kindness effects more than severity.

Man is so made that when anything fires his soul, impossibilities vanish.

To live lightheartedly but not recklessly; to be gay without being boisterous; to be courageous without being bold; to show trust and cheerful resignation without fatalism — this is the art of living.

One should oblige everyone to the extent of one's ability. One often needs someone smaller than oneself.