Jean de la Bruyere

Date of Birth: August 16, 1645

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: May 11, 1696

Biography

Jean de La Bruyère was a renowned French philosopher and moralist, best known for his work “Les Caractères” (The Characters), which offered a satirical and insightful commentary on the manners and customs of his time. Born in Paris, France, La Bruyère was educated at the Oratorians and later studied law at the University of Orléans. He initially pursued a legal career but found little satisfaction in it. In 1684, he became the tutor to the Duke of Bourbon and later served as a librarian to the Prince of Condé. La Bruyère’s “Les Caractères” was published in 1688 and quickly gained immense popularity for its sharp wit and keen observations. The work was influenced by the ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus, and La Bruyère’s aphorisms and character sketches remain highly regarded for their literary and philosophical depth. His writing provides a window into the social and moral issues of late 17th-century France. La Bruyère died in 1696, leaving behind a legacy as one of France’s most insightful and acerbic social commentators.

5 Interesting Facts about Jean de la Bruyere

1. Jean de La Bruyère’s “Les Caractères” was initially met with mixed reactions, with some contemporaries feeling personally attacked by his sharp critiques.

2. He was deeply influenced by classical literature, especially the works of Theophrastus, a student of Aristotle.

3. La Bruyère’s work often criticized the extravagance and moral decay of the French aristocracy.

4. He was elected to the prestigious Académie Française in 1693, three years before his death.

5. Despite his insightful critiques of society, La Bruyère himself lived a relatively modest and private life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jean de la Bruyere

1. “Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think.”

2. “Out of difficulties grow miracles.”

3. “We should keep silent about those in power; to speak well of them almost always implies flattery; to speak ill of them implies a rash judgment.”

4. “It is a great misfortune neither to have enough wit to talk well nor enough judgment to be silent.”

5. “Poverty may be the mother of crime, but lack of good sense is the father.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jean de La Bruyère’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a tutor and librarian to nobility, he lived a comfortable, though not extravagant, life.