“ No one gives as much as he who gives hopes. It is not necessary for the man we choose to be of brilliant intellect. ”
Anatole France, Penguin Island (1908). copy citation
Author | Anatole France |
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Source | Penguin Island |
Topic | hope intellect |
Date | 1908 |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | |
Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1930/1930-h/1930-h.htm |
Context
“It would be well to prefer the most popular and, if I dare say so, the most republican of them. We shall win him over to us by flattery, by presents, and above all by promises. Promises cost less than presents, and are worth more. No one gives as much as he who gives hopes. It is not necessary for the man we choose to be of brilliant intellect. I would even prefer him to be of no great ability. Stupid people show an inimitable grace in roguery. Be guided by me, gentlemen, and overthrow the Republic by the agency of a Republican. Let us be prudent.”
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