Nicolas Boileau

“He who does not know how to limit himself has never known how to write.”

“Love reason then: of late lofty essays borrow their chiefest grace, their luster and their price.”

“A witty saying proves nothing.”

“A fool always finds a greater fool to admire him.”

“Criticism is easy, and art is difficult.”

“There is no serpent or odious monster that, when imitated by art, cannot please the eyes.”

“Before you write, learn to think.”

“Hasten slowly, and without losing heart, twenty times upon the anvil place your work again.”

“Be simple with art.”

“What is well conceived is clearly said, And the words to say it come with ease.”

“The truth may sometimes not be probable.”

“Nothing is beautiful but the truth: the truth alone is lovable.”

“The most foolish animal, in my opinion, is man.”

“Work for glory, and let sordid gain never be the object of an illustrious writer.”

“A rhymester is not a poet.”