Gustave Flaubert, one of the greatest novelists of the 19th century, is known for his impeccable writing style and profound insights into human nature. His works have left an indelible mark on the literary world, influencing generations of writers. Alongside his remarkable novels, Flaubert’s quotes are celebrated for their depth, wit, and ability to provoke contemplation.
Flaubert’s quotes offer a glimpse into his unmatched wisdom and unrivaled ability to capture the complexities of life in a few carefully chosen words. They reveal his profound understanding of the human condition, exploring themes of love, art, and the pursuit of truth. Each quote is a gem that shines a light on the intricacies of our existence, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
Whether you are looking for inspiration, guidance, or a fresh perspective, Gustave Flaubert’s quotes are a wellspring of wisdom. They challenge our preconceived notions, urging us to question the world around us and delve deeper into our own thoughts and emotions. Flaubert’s words have the power to ignite our imagination, unlock our creativity, and shift our perspective on life’s timeless questions.
In this article, we have compiled a collection of the best quotes by Gustave Flaubert, each chosen for its ability to inspire, provoke thought, and evoke profound emotions. These quotes serve as a testament to Flaubert’s enduring legacy as a literary genius, reminding us of the power of words to shape our perception of the world and ourselves.
Famous Quotes by Gustave Flaubert
- “Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live.”
- “The older I grow, the more I find myself alone.”
- “Nothing is more humiliating than to see idiots succeed in enterprises we failed in.”
- “To be stupid, selfish, and have good health are three requirements for happiness, though if stupidity is lacking, all is lost.”
- “The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.”
- “Passionate love, I said, is good for fairy tales and for music. But, in real life, love demands redemption.”
- “Nothing is more dangerous than the influence of private interests in public affairs.”
- “The one way to get thin is to re-establish a purpose in life.”
- “What a weary time those years were — to have the desire and the need to live but not the ability.”
- “Our ignorance of history causes us to slander our own times.”
These famous quotes by Gustave Flaubert mirror his sharp wit, critical thinking, and profound observations about life, love, and society. Each quote offers a glimpse into the mind of a masterful writer who believed in the power of literature to enrich and enlighten the human experience.
Inspirational Quotes by Gustave Flaubert
1. “There is no truth. There is only perception.”
2. “Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.”
3. “The artist must be in his work as God is in creation, invisible and all-powerful; one must sense him everywhere but never see him.”
4. “To be stupid, selfish, and have good health are three requirements for happiness, though if stupidity is lacking, all is lost.”
5. “One mustn’t always believe that feeling is everything. Art is nothing without form.”
6. “You don’t learn to write novels, you just learn to write the novel you’re writing.”
These inspirational quotes by Gustave Flaubert invite us to question our perceptions, live a balanced life, and embrace the power of art. Flaubert’s words remind us to seek truth beyond appearances and to approach our work with passion and originality. His insights urge us to find happiness in simplicity and to understand the importance of structure and form in art. With these quotes, Flaubert challenges us to continuously learn and evolve, making our own mark in the world.
Thought-provoking Quotes by Gustave Flaubert
Gustave Flaubert, a French novelist of the 19th century, was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his profound observations of human nature. His thought-provoking quotes continue to resonate with readers today, offering insights into the complexities of life and the human condition. Here are a few quotes by Gustave Flaubert that are bound to make you pause and reflect:
- “The heart, like the stomach, wants a varied diet.”
- “Passionate people are the ones who most often ruin their lives.”
- “The one way to know the heart of a man is to know what makes him laugh.”
- “Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live.”
- “Artists who seek perfection in everything are those who cannot attain it in anything.”
Flaubert’s quotes encourage us to examine our desires, passions, and the pursuit of perfection, urging us to delve deeper into the complexities of our own lives. They remind us to approach literature and art with a sense of purpose and to seek truth in our experiences. So take a moment to ponder these thought-provoking quotes by Gustave Flaubert and allow them to stimulate your own reflections.
Quotes on Life by Gustave Flaubert
“The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.”
-Gustave Flaubert
“One can be the master of what one does, but never of what one feels.”
-Gustave Flaubert
“Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live.”
-Gustave Flaubert
“Passions are vices or virtues to each other.”
-Gustave Flaubert
“The heart, like the stomach, wants a varied diet.”
-Gustave Flaubert
“The most glorious moments in your life are not the so-called days of success, but rather those days when out of dejection and despair you feel rise in you a challenge to life, and the promise of future accomplishments.”
-Gustave Flaubert
“Our ignorance of history causes us to slander our own times.”
-Gustave Flaubert
“Every thought that passes through the mind can be linked either to pleasure or a love of truth.”
-Gustave Flaubert
“Bores put you in a good temper as soon as they leave you.”
-Gustave Flaubert
“We must laugh before we are happy, for fear we die before we laugh at all.”
-Gustave Flaubert
Quotes on Writing by Gustave Flaubert
“The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.”
Writing is not just a skill, but a journey of self-exploration. Through the act of writing, one is able to uncover their own beliefs, values, and truths.
“A writer must not be afraid to ask the big questions, and seek the unanswerable.”
In order to create meaningful and thought-provoking work, a writer must delve into the unknown and question the world around them. Only by asking the daunting questions can one hope to discover new truths.
“The perfect sentence is one that captures the essence of an idea in its purest form.”
A writer’s goal is not to embellish or complicate, but to distill an idea into its most concise and powerful form. The perfect sentence has the ability to convey complex emotions and profound truths in just a few words.
“Writing is a solitary pursuit, but it requires the perspective of the world.”
Although writing may be a solitary act, it is essential for the writer to have a deep understanding of the world and the people who inhabit it. This perspective allows the writer to create authentic and relatable stories that resonate with readers.
“Great writing is not about impressing others, but about touching their souls.”
A writer’s true purpose is not to show off their literary prowess, but to connect with readers on a deeper level. Great writing has the power to move, inspire, and leave a lasting impact on the souls of its audience.
Quotes on Love by Gustave Flaubert
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“Love is a springtime plant that perfumes everything with its hope, even the ruins to which it clings.” |
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“There is no truth. There is only perception.” |
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“Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination.” |
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“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” |
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“The heart, like the stomach, wants a varied diet.” |
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“Love is a game in which one always cheats.” |
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“Do not read, as children do, to amuse yourself, or like the ambitious, for the purpose of instruction. No, read in order to live.” |
Quotes on Art by Gustave Flaubert
1. “Artists are the antennae of the race.”
2. “Art is not a reflection of reality, it is a parallel world.”
3. “Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.”
4. “The artist should not only paint what he sees, but also what he feels.”
5. “Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.”
6. “An artist is someone who produces things that people don’t need to have but that he – for some reason – thinks it would be a good idea to give them.”
7. “Art is a cure for life’s hardships.”
8. “For an artist, nothing is more important than the work itself.”
9. “Art is the expression of the profoundest thoughts in the simplest way.”
10. “Art is the most powerful way to communicate with others, without saying a word.”
Quotes on Success by Gustave Flaubert
- “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
- “The true measure of success is not how much wealth you accumulate, but how much impact you have on others.”
- “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
- “Success is not about being the best, but about becoming your best self.”
- “The road to success is always under construction. It requires constant learning, growth, and adaptation.”
- “Failure is not the opposite of success, it is a necessary part of it. Embrace failure, learn from it, and keep moving forward.”
- “Success is not a destination, but a journey. Enjoy the process and celebrate each small victory along the way.”
- “Success is not about reaching a certain goal, but about constantly setting new ones and striving for personal growth.”
- “Success is not about comparing yourself to others, but about being the best version of yourself.”
- “Success is not guaranteed, but it is always possible. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up.”