Quotes By Francois Rabelais

We always long for the forbidden things, and desire what is denied us.

It is my feeling that Time ripens all things; with Time all things are revealed; Time is the father of truth.

Misery is the company of lawsuits.

There is no truer cause of unhappiness amongst men than, where naturally expecting charity and benevolence, they receive harm and vexation.

From the gut comes the strut, and where hunger reigns, strength abstains.

Remove idleness from the world and soon the arts of Cupid would perish.

How can I govern others, who can't even govern myself?

Nature abhors a vacuum.

Because just as arms have no force outside if there is no counsel within a house, study is vain and counsel useless that is not put to virtuous effect when the time calls.

Tell the truth and shame the devil.

In their rules there was only one clause: Do what you will.

For he who can wait, everything comes in time.

I have known many who could not when they would, for they had not done it when they could.

I won't undertake war until I have tried all the arts and means of peace.

To good and true love fear is forever affixed.

The scent of wine, oh how much more agreeable, laughing, praying, celestial and delicious it is than that of oil!

I drink no more than a sponge.

There are more old drunkards than old physicians.

When I drink, I think; and when I think, I drink.

Science without conscience is the death of the soul.

I place no hope in my strength, nor in my works: but all my confidence is in God my protector, who never abandons those who have put all their hope and thought in him.

One falls to the ground in trying to sit on two stools.

How shall I be able to rule over others, that have not full power and command of myself?

Everything comes in time to those who can wait.

A habit does not a monk make.

Gestures, in love, are incomparably more attractive, effective and valuable than words.

How do you know antiquity was foolish? How do you know the present is wise? Who made it foolish? Who made it wise?

The remedy for thirst? It is the opposite of the one for a dog bite: run always after a dog, he'll never bite you; drink always before thirst, and it will never overtake you.

Believe me, 'tis a godlike thing to lend; to owe is a heroic virtue.

No clock is more regular than the belly.