It is easier to promise a great happiness than to give it.
 Anatole France, Thaïs (1890). copy citation

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Author Anatole France
Source Thaïs
Topic happiness
Date 1890
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Robert B. Douglas
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2078/2078-h/2078-h.htm

Context

“let us not lose a moment. I am impatient to taste the felicity you announce; but, to say the truth, I fear that I shall always remain ignorant of it, and that all you have promised me will vanish in words. It is easier to promise a great happiness than to give it. Everyone has a talent of some sort. I fancy that yours is to make long speeches. You speak of an unknown love. It is so long since kisses were first exchanged that it would be very extraordinary if there still remained secrets in love.” source