Ninon de L'Enclos quotes

Ninon de L'Enclos was a French author, courtesan, and salonnière famous for her wit and intelligence. Her Parisian salons attracted renowned writers, philosophers, and artists of the 17th century. She became a symbol of female independence and is remembered for her influence on French culture and society. Here are 18 of her quotes:

If God had to give a woman wrinkles, He might at least have put them on the soles of her feet. (Ninon de L'Enclos)
A woman should not take a lover without the consent of her heart, nor a husband without the consent of her reason. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
That which is striking and beautiful is not always good; but that which is good is always beautiful. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
Love without desire is a delusion: it does not exist in nature. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
Love never dies of starvation, but often of indigestion. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
A sensible woman should be guided by her head when taking a husband, and by her heart when taking a lover. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
Men lose more conquests by their own awkwardness than by any virtue in the woman. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
It is strange that modesty is the rule for women when what they most value in men is boldness. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
Translation ("A Lady", 1761): They are either to be pitied or condemned who are obliged to have recourse to religion for the conduct of their lives. 'Tis a sign they have either a narrow soul, or a corrupt heart. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
Old age is a woman's hell. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
Feminine virtue is nothing but a convenient masculine invention. (Ninon de L'Enclos)
Words really flattering are not those which we prepare but those which escape us unthinkingly. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
The resistance of a woman is not always a proof of her virtue, but more frequently of her experience. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
The joy of the mind is the measure of its strength. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
The more sins you confess, the more books you will sell. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
A man is given the choice between loving women and understanding them. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
Today a new sun rises for me; everything lives, everything is animated, everything seems to speak to me of my passion, everything invites me to cherish it. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos
Actors ought to be larger than life. You come across quite enough ordinary, nondescript people in daily life and I don't see why you should be subjected to them on the stage too. View quote
Ninon de L'Enclos

Ninon de L'Enclos

Ninon de L'Enclos - Image
Occupation: French Author
Born: November 10, 1620
Died: October 17, 1705
Quotes count: 18
Wikipedia: Ninon de L'Enclos

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