Jean de La Bruyère Quote

The true spirit of conversation consists more in bringing out the cleverness of others than in showing a great deal of it yourself; he who goes away pleased with himself and his own wit is also greatly pleased with you. Most men would rather please than admire you; they seek less to be instructed, and even to be amused, than to be praised and applauded.


Les Caractères (1688)


The true spirit of conversation consists more in bringing out the cleverness of others than in showing a great deal of it yourself; he who goes away...

The true spirit of conversation consists more in bringing out the cleverness of others than in showing a great deal of it yourself; he who goes away...

The true spirit of conversation consists more in bringing out the cleverness of others than in showing a great deal of it yourself; he who goes away...

The true spirit of conversation consists more in bringing out the cleverness of others than in showing a great deal of it yourself; he who goes away...