The better a work is, the more it attracts criticism; it is like the fleas who rush to jump on white linens.

Quote by Gustave Flaubert

Topics: Gustave Flaubert Quotes

I believe that if one always looked at the skies, one would end up with...

I believe that if one always looked at the skies, one would end up with...

Language is a cracked kettle on which we beat out tunes for bears to dance...

Language is a cracked kettle on which we beat out tunes for bears to dance...

The true poet for me is a priest. As soon as he dons the cassock,...

The true poet for me is a priest. As soon as he dons the cassock,...

One must always hope when one is desperate, and doubt when one hopes.

One must always hope when one is desperate, and doubt when one hopes.

A memory is a beautiful thing, it's almost a desire that you miss.

A memory is a beautiful thing, it's almost a desire that you miss.

I hate that which we have decided to call realism, even though I have been...

I hate that which we have decided to call realism, even though I have been...

All one's inventions are true, you can be sure of that. Poetry is as exact...

All one's inventions are true, you can be sure of that. Poetry is as exact...

The cult of art gives pride; one never has too much of it.

The cult of art gives pride; one never has too much of it.

Books are made not like children but like pyramids and they're just as useless! And...

Books are made not like children but like pyramids and they're just as useless! And...

Stupidity is something unshakable; nothing attacks it without breaking itself against it; it is of...

Stupidity is something unshakable; nothing attacks it without breaking itself against it; it is of...

How you measure the performance of your managers directly affects the way they act.

How you measure the performance of your managers directly affects the way they act.

Human speech is like a cracked kettle on which we tap crude rhythms for bears...

Human speech is like a cracked kettle on which we tap crude rhythms for bears...

One arrives at style only with atrocious effort, with fanatical and devoted stubbornness.

One arrives at style only with atrocious effort, with fanatical and devoted stubbornness.

The future is the worst thing about the present.

The future is the worst thing about the present.

Everything one invents is true, you may be perfectly sure of that. Poetry is as...

Everything one invents is true, you may be perfectly sure of that. Poetry is as...

The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.

The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.

What an elder sees sitting; the young can't see standing.

What an elder sees sitting; the young can't see standing.

One mustn't ask apple trees for oranges, France for sun, women for love, life for...

One mustn't ask apple trees for oranges, France for sun, women for love, life for...

Anything becomes interesting if you look at it long enough.

Anything becomes interesting if you look at it long enough.

Exuberance is better than taste.

Exuberance is better than taste.