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Mankind, by the perverse depravity of their nature, esteem that which they have most desired as of no value the moment it is possessed, and torment themselves with fruitless wishes for that which is beyond their reach.

Francois Fenelon

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Francois Fenelon
Age: 63 †
Born: 1651
Born: August 6
Died: 1715
Died: January 7
Catholic Priest
Clergyman
Cleric
Philosopher
Poet
Theologian
Writer
François de Salignac de La Mothe- Fénelon
Fénelon
Phenelon
Franz von Fenelon
Francis Fenelon
abbé de Fénélon
François Fénelon
François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon
Values
Torment
Moment
Wishes
Wish
Possessed
Moments
Esteem
Nature
Reach
Fruitless
Value
Depravity
Mankind
Perverse
Beyond
Desired

More quotes by Francois Fenelon

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Faith is letting down our nets into the transparent deeps at the Divine command, not knowing what we shall draw.
Francois Fenelon
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There is never any peace for those who resist God.
Francois Fenelon
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A cross borne in simplicity, without the interference of self-love to augment it, is only half a cross. Suffering in this simplicity of love, we are not only happy in spile of the cross, but because of it for love is pleased in suffering for the Well Beloved, and the cross which forms us into His image is a consoling bond of love.
Francois Fenelon
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Time spent in prayer is never wasted.
Francois Fenelon
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The greatest defect of common education is, that we are in the habit of putting pleasure all on one side, and weariness on the other all weariness in study, all pleasure in idleness.
Francois Fenelon
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If we were faultless we should not be so much annoyed by the defects of those with whom we associate.
Francois Fenelon
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To pray is to desire but it is to desire what God would have us desire.
Francois Fenelon
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Do we accustom ourselves to see all things in the light of faith? Do we correct all our judgments by it? Alas! The greater part of Christians think and act like mere heathens if we judge (as we justly may) of their faith by their practice, we must conclude they have no faith at all.
Francois Fenelon
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Real friends are our greatest joy and our greatest sorrow. It were almost to be wished that all true and faithful friends should expire on the same day.
Francois Fenelon
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We can often do more for other men by trying to correct our own faults than by trying to correct theirs.
Francois Fenelon
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Frequently a big advantage can be gained by knowing how to give in at the right moment.
Francois Fenelon
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As long as anything in this world means anything to you, your freedom is only a word. You are like a bird that is held by a leash you can only fly so far.
Francois Fenelon
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Accustom yourself gradually to carry Prayer into all your daily occupation - speak, act, work in peace, as if you were in prayer, as indeed you ought to be.
Francois Fenelon
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How desirable is this simplicity! Who will give it to me? I will quit all else it is the pearl of great price.
Francois Fenelon
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The more perfect we are, the more gentle and quiet we become toward the defects of other people.
Francois Fenelon
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Most people I ask little from. I try to give them much, and expect nothing in return and I do very well in the bargain.
Francois Fenelon
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O God, the creature knows not to what end Thou hast made Him teach him, and write in the depths of his soul that the clay must suffer itself to be shaped at the will of the potter.
Francois Fenelon
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Nothing is more despicable than a professional talker who uses his words as a quack uses his remedies
Francois Fenelon
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We may be sure that it is the love of God only that can make us come out of self. If His powerful hand did not sustain us, we should not know how to take the first step in that direction.
Francois Fenelon
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Let us endeavor to commence every enterprise with a pure view to the glory of God, continue it without distraction, and finish it without impatience.
Francois Fenelon