Jean de la Fontaine was a renowned French poet and fabulist known to have written some of the greatest fables of ‘French Literature’. At an early stage of his career, he joined the Parliament of Paris as a lawyer and later moved on to pursue his passion for writing. He debuted with ‘L'Eunuque’ which was an incomplete play by Publius Terentius Afer. This was followed by his first original work titled ‘Adonis’, this gave him instant fame and he was taken as an apprentice by Nicolas Fouquet who was the then French finance minister. He had to move out of Paris for some time as his master was imprisoned for betraying the country and his faith towards him was regarded as a royal disgrace. During this period he published various popular verses including ‘Comtes et nouvelles en vers’ which enhanced his reputation as a poet. His return to Paris started a new chapter in his writing career. He became a patron to Marguerite de Lorrain and wrote the ‘Fables’ which was the most notable work of his life. He is believed to have published more than 200 fables. We bring to you a compilation of quotations and sayings by the distinguished poet. Read on the famous quotes and thoughts by Jean de la Fontaine which have been excerpted from his writings, poems, fables, life and work.
Ich gönnte keinem andern," fuhr er fort zu lügen,
"Ein solch olympisch Schlemmerglück,
Nur dir, mein liebster Freund, allein.
Geniesse dies mit vollen Zügen.
