Ninon De L'Enclos Quotes

Powerful Ninon De L'Enclos for Daily Growth

About Ninon De L'Enclos

Ninon de l'Encloс was a French author and literary figure born on February 9, 1620, in Paris. Her real name was Françoise-Madeleine de la Grange, but she adopted the pen name Ninon de l'Enclos as a tribute to her family's estate, Château d'Enclos, near Rouen. Ninon was born into a noble family and enjoyed a privileged upbringing. She was known for her wit, intelligence, and outspokenness, qualities that set her apart in a male-dominated society. Her unconventional lifestyle, which included living with several lovers, added to her reputation as a free spirit. Ninon's works, primarily letters and dialogues, were published posthumously under the title "Les Oeuvres de Ninon" in 1678. These writings offer a fascinating glimpse into the intellectual and social life of 17th-century France, providing insights on topics such as love, friendship, and morality. Her writing style was informal, conversational, and often candid, reflecting her personal experiences and views. Influenced by contemporary philosophers like René Descartes and Pierre Gassendi, Ninon's works show a rationalist approach to life and love, advocating for equal rights and mutual respect in relationships. Despite the controversial nature of some of her ideas, her writings were widely read and admired, earning her a place as one of the most prominent women writers of the 17th century. Ninon de l'Enclos passed away on December 24, 1675. Her legacy continues to inspire and intrigue, not only for her literary achievements but also for her courageous defiance of societal norms. She remains an important figure in the history of French literature and women's rights.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of."

This quote by Ninon de L'Enclos suggests that intuition, emotions, or feelings (the "heart") often operate independently of logical reasoning ("reason"). It implies that there are aspects of human experience and decision-making that cannot be explained solely through rational analysis, but rather require a deeper understanding of our feelings and instincts. In essence, it highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in guiding us beyond mere logic.


"It is better to be a little absurd than always serious."

This quote suggests that maintaining a consistent, unwavering seriousness can lead to monotony or stagnation in life. By embracing some absurdity, we allow ourselves to break free from the confines of strict seriousness, fostering creativity, flexibility, and an open-minded approach to new ideas and experiences. Injecting a touch of absurdity into our lives can bring fresh perspectives, lighten our moods, and make us more resilient in the face of life's complexities.


"Love is a fire that burns us, but also warms us; it is a force that destroys the house and builds it."

The quote by Ninon de L'Enclos suggests that love, while potentially causing pain and destruction (like a burning fire), is ultimately essential and beneficial (as it provides warmth). Similarly, love can lead to feelings of vulnerability or heartache, yet it also has the power to build stronger connections and relationships. The destructive and constructive aspects of love are intrinsically linked, underscoring its complex and transformative nature in our lives.


"There are two kinds of people: those who love, and those who wait for love to find them."

This quote by Ninon De L'Enclos suggests that there are essentially two types of individuals in the world when it comes to romantic relationships: those who actively seek love (those who love) and those who allow love to come to them (those who wait). It implies that some people are proactive in expressing their feelings and pursuing potential partners, while others may be more passive and reliant on fate or serendipity. The quote emphasizes the importance of love and its role in our lives, regardless of whether we seek it actively or patiently await its arrival.


"To live without passion is to make every day identical to the last. This kind of existence isn't really living."

This quote emphasizes the significance of passion in living a meaningful life. By expressing that "to live without passion" equates to making each day indistinguishable from the previous ones, it suggests that such an existence is monotonous and uninspiring, lacking the vibrancy and novelty that comes with following one's passions. Instead, a life lived with enthusiasm, curiosity, and zeal fosters uniqueness, growth, and fulfillment, making each day distinct from the last, thereby truly living.


Feminine virtue is nothing but a convenient masculine invention.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Nothing, Feminine, Masculine, Convenient

A sensible woman should be guided by her head when taking a husband, and by her heart when taking a lover.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Relationship, Woman, Head, Guided

Every action we take, everything we do, is either a victory or defeat in the struggle to become what we want to be.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Defeat, Either, Take, Struggle

It is strange that modesty is the rule for women when what they most value in men is boldness.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Men, Modesty, Most, Boldness

Words really flattering are not those which we prepare but those which escape us unthinkingly.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Prepare, Which, Flattering, Unthinkingly

Actors ought to be larger than life. You come across quite enough ordinary, nondescript people in daily life and I don't see why you should be subjected to them on the stage too.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Daily Life, Why, Larger, Ought

A man is given the choice between loving women and understanding them.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Understanding, Loving, Given, Between

Today a new sun rises for me; everything lives, everything is animated, everything seems to speak to me of my passion, everything invites me to cherish it.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

New, Cherish, Lives, Rises

Love never dies of starvation, but often of indigestion.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Love, Never, Starvation, Dies

That which is striking and beautiful is not always good, but that which is good is always beautiful.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Good, Always, Which, Striking

The resistance of a woman is not always a proof of her virtue, but more frequently of her experience.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Woman, Her, Always, Proof

Men lose more conquests by their own awkwardness than by any virtue in the woman.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Woman, Men, More, Awkwardness

The more sins you confess, the more books you will sell.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Will, Books, Confess, Sins

If God had to give a woman wrinkles, He might at least have put them on the soles of her feet.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Woman, Feet, Give, Wrinkles

The ideal has many names, and beauty is but one of them.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Beauty, Ideal, Them, Names

Old age is a woman's hell.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Woman, Old Age, Old, Hell

The joy of the mind is the measure of its strength.

- Ninon de L'Enclos

Strength, Mind, Brainy, Measure

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