Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, widely known as Molière, was born on January 15, 1622, in Paris, France. A master of comedy and satire, he became one of the most influential figures in French theater during the 17th century. Molière’s career highlights include writing and performing in groundbreaking plays like “Tartuffe,” “The Misanthrope,” and “The Imaginary Invalid,” which critiqued societal hypocrisies and human nature. His works remain timeless, earning him recognition as the father of modern French comedy. The quotes here are sourced from his plays and writings, reflecting his insights on life. This list presents 15 quotes by Molière that explore themes of existence, morality, and human behavior, offering wisdom that endures across centuries.
15 Molière Quotes
1. “The duty of comedy is to correct men by amusing them.” (Play, “The Critique of the School for Wives,” 1663)
2. “One should examine oneself for a very long time before thinking of condemning others.” (Play, “The Misanthrope,” 1666)
3. “It is not what we do, but what we think we are, that makes us happy or unhappy.” (Play, “The Misanthrope,” 1666)
4. “The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.” (Play, “The School for Wives,” 1662)
5. “All men are alike in their promises; it is in their deeds that they differ.” (Play, “Don Juan,” 1665)
6. “Reason is not always the guide of life.” (Play, “The Misanthrope,” 1666)
7. “We die only once, and for such a long time.” (Play, “The Imaginary Invalid,” 1673)
8. “Life is a flower of which love is the honey.” (Attributed to Molière’s works, n.d.)
9. “The more we love our friends, the less we flatter them.” (Play, “The Misanthrope,” 1666)
10. “To live without loving is not really to live.” (Attributed to Molière’s writings, n.d.)
11. “Man is born ignorant, not stupid; he is made stupid by education.” (Play, “The Learned Women,” 1672)
12. “The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.” (Attributed to Molière, n.d.)
13. “It is a fine thing to command, even if it be only a herd of cattle.” (Play, “The Miser,” 1668)
14. “Money is the god of our time.” (Play, “The Miser,” 1668)
15. “I want people to be very good, but I must be amused.” (Play, “The Misanthrope,” 1666)
These quotes from Molière illuminate his profound understanding of life’s absurdities, the balance between virtue and vice, and the importance of self-awareness in navigating human relationships. They reveal a man who used humor to expose truths, encouraging reflection on personal growth and societal flaws. Through his words, we see a call to live authentically amidst folly. We invite you to share your thoughts or favorite quote in the comments below—how do these insights resonate with your own experiences?