Society & Politics

Have you heard of Molière?

Molière is perhaps the most famous actor and playwright in the French language.


" ALCESTE
I want men to be frank, and as men of honor,
To speak no word that doesn’t come from the heart.

PHILINTE
When a man comes to you with joyful embraces,
You must repay him with similar graces,
Respond, as best you can, to his eagerness,
And return pledge for pledge, and warmth for kindness.

ALCESTE
No, I cannot bear that cowardly fashion
Affecting most of your well-bred companions;
And nothing I hate more than the contortions
Of those great masters of declarations,
Those affable givers of hollow embraces,
Those courteous speakers of useless phrases,
Who fight with civility on every side,
And treat the fool and honest man alike.
What good is it when a man flatters you,
Professes friendship, faith, zeal, and virtue,
And then runs off to lavish the same
Upon the first scoundrel he happens to name?
No, no soul rightly formed could care
For an esteem so cheaply shared;
The proudest favor is little esteemed
When we see it spread across all that’s seen.
True regard must rest on preference,
And to esteem all is to esteem none in essence.
Since you take part in these modern vices,
By God, you're not someone I’d keep as mine.
I scorn that broad, indulgent affection
That makes no distinction of worth or intention.
I wish to be singled out—and to be brief,
A friend to all mankind is no friend of mine. "
Have you heard of Molière?
Have you heard of Molière?
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