“The true spirit of conversation consists more in bringing out the cleverness of others than in showing a great deal of it yourself”

—  Jean de La Bruyère , book Les Caractères

16
Les Caractères (1688), De la société et de la conversation
Context: The true spirit of conversation consists more in bringing out the cleverness of others than in showing a great deal of it yourself; he who goes away pleased with himself and his own wit is also greatly pleased with you. Most men would rather please than admire you; they seek less to be instructed, and even to be amused, than to be praised and applauded.

Original

L'esprit de la conversation consiste bien moins à en montrer beaucoup qu'à en faire trouver aux autres: celui qui sort de votre entretien content de soi et de son esprit, l'est de vous parfaitement. Les hommes n'aiment point à vous admirer, ils veulent plaire; ils cherchent moins à être instruits, et même réjouis, qu'à être goûtés et applaudis.

Les Caractères (1688), De la société et de la conversation

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Jean de La Bruyère 65
17th-century French writer and philosopher 1645–1696

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