1657-1757, Scientist, Man of Letter
A great obstacle to happiness is to expect too much happiness.
Bernard Le Bovier Fontenelle – [Happiness]
A well cultivated mind is made up of all the minds of preceding ages; it is only the one single mind educated by all previous time.
Bernard Le Bovier Fontenelle – [Mind]
If I had my hand full of truth, I would take good care how I opened it.
Bernard Le Bovier Fontenelle – [Truth]
If I held all the thoughts of the world in my hand, I would be careful not to open it.
Bernard Le Bovier Fontenelle – [Thoughts and Thinking]
It is the passions that do and undo everything.
Bernard Le Bovier Fontenelle – [Passion]
There are three things I have loved but never understood. Art, music and women.
Bernard Le Bovier Fontenelle – [Understanding]