30 Famous Phrases By Francisco De Quevedo

Francisco de Quevedo (Madrid, 1580 – Ciudad Real, 1645) was one of the most read and admired writers of Spanish literature. A prominent member of the Golden Age, Francisco de Quevedo wrote prose and poetry, narrative and theater, being a global and multifaceted thinker like few others in history.

His extensive work includes pieces that continue to be the subject of study throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

Phrases and reflections by Francisco de Quevedo

In this article we are going to know in depth the best phrases of Francisco de Quevedo. They are thoughts and reflections extracted from his works. Let us begin.

1. War is for life in men, because life is war, and living and military are the same thing.

Fighting and battling, in the 16th century, was our daily bread.

2. Doctors kill and live by killing, and the complaint falls on the illness.

A dart against doctors that can be a metaphor applicable to other areas.

3. Because of our greed, much is little; Because of our need, little is much.

Deep philosophical reflection.

4. The possession of health is like that of the property, which is enjoyed by spending it, and if it is not spent, it is not enjoyed.

There is no point in having excellent health if we do not live life to the fullest.

5. Life is a pain in which the pain of death begins, which lasts as long as it lasts.

We walk aimlessly but with a clear destination: disappearance and oblivion.

6. What is learned in youth lasts a lifetime.

Certainly, learning is easier and more lasting at this stage of life.

7. We all want to grow old; and we all deny that we have arrived.

Longevity is something commonly desired, as well as denied.

8. A powerful knight is Don Dinero.

Perhaps his most famous sentence. It alludes to the power of crude oil to mobilize us and make us lose ethics and principles.

9. Criminals do less harm than a bad judge.

Due to his position of authority and influence, a bad referee is a condemnation for society.

10. Envied virtue is twice a virtue.

Little more to add to this reflection by Francisco de Quevedo.

11. Nothing awakens the bustle of the town as much as novelty.

Perhaps this is why, even six centuries later, we are compulsive consumers of news and current events of all kinds.

12. The brave man is afraid of the opponent; the coward, from his own fear.

Some people’s self-absorption can be their worst enemy.

13. Much becomes little just by wishing for a little more.

We relativize our needs as our unconscious tells us.

14. Relenting is virtue, power and humility; Letting oneself be discouraged is vileness and crime.

In the line of sentence number twelve.

15. There are short books that, to understand them as they deserve, you need a very long life.

About literature and the way it can make us change and reflect.

16. Everyone who seems stupid is, and so are half of those who don’t.

Ironic and poignant phrase by Francisco de Quevedo.

17. Fear must always be preserved, but it must never be shown.

Weakness will always be there, but if you show it you can be caught in the flames.

18. Live only for yourself if you can, because only for yourself if you die, you die.

It’s not egocentrism, it’s carpe diem.

19. Pride is a ruinous architect; He puts the foundations on top and the tiles on the foundations.

Breaking pride, a very common defect in our days.

20. Whoever leaves the offended person alive must always fear revenge.

Take your precautions if you are in that position. Wise phrase from Quevedo.

21. That man who loses honor for business, loses business and honor.

Being dedicated and hardworking at work brings us sweet fruits. Not being… simply means absolute ruin.

22. The friend must be like blood, which then comes to the wound without waiting to be called.

If you have a friend who is there when you have a bad streak, appreciate them.

23. No one offers as much as someone who is not going to deliver.

Don’t trust someone who takes everything for granted without having started to work on it.

24. The general must be considerate, and the soldier obedient.

A basic principle in hierarchical organizations.

25. The rich man eats; the poor is fed.

The difference between joy and pure need.

26. Live only for yourself if you can, because only for yourself if you die, you die.

A great quote that we should all know, we must live life as we wish.

27. The caress is no less offensive weapon for women than the sword for men.

We must know how to value and respect women. In the time of this writer, something so obvious was not fulfilled on many occasions.

28. And naked, broken maiden, you are so pretty, you are so rich and beautiful, that you kill more with jealousy and love than dressed in colors: and you are like the sword: you kill more naked than dressed.

A phrase that shows us the gift that this great writer had for poetry.

29. The tree of life is communication with friends; the fruit, the rest and the confidence in them.

Friendship is one of the most positive aspects of life, we must know how to preserve our friendships.

30. Each one must open their eyes and not trust in the title of kinship, nor even in the very garments of it, but in those of very experienced love and will, because relatives are nothing more than how they treat each other.

The important thing about a person is their attitude and personality, the rest are simple flourishes.