Francisco de Quevedo (Madrid, 1580 – Ciudad Real, 1645) was one of the most read and admired writers of Spanish literature. An outstanding member of the Golden Age, Francisco de Quevedo wrote prose and poetry, narrative and theatre, being a global and multifaceted thinker like few others in history.

His extensive work includes pieces that continue to be studied throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

Phrases and reflections of Francisco de Quevedo

In this article we will know in depth the best phrases of Francisco de Quevedo. They are thoughts and reflections taken from his works. Let us begin.

1. War is for life in men, because life is war, and living and military are one and the same thing.

Fighting and battling, in the 16th century, was the bread and butter of the day.

2. Doctors kill and live by killing, and the complaint falls on the ailment.

A dart against doctors that can be a metaphor applicable to other fields.

3. For our greed, much is little; for our need, little is much.

Deep philosophical reflection.

4. The possession of health is like that of the estate, which is enjoyed by spending it, and if it is not spent, it is not enjoyed.

There is no point in having iron health if we do not live life to the fullest.

5. Life is a pain that begins with death and lasts as long as it lasts.

We walk aimlessly but with a clear destination: disappearance and oblivion.

6. What you learn in youth, all life lasts.

Certainly, learning is easier and more lasting at this stage of life.

7. We all want to grow old; and we all deny that we have arrived.

Longevity is commonly desired, as well as denied.

8. Powerful gentleman is Mr. Money.

Perhaps his most famous sentence. It alludes to the power of oil to mobilize us and make us lose our ethics and principles.

9. Good thing criminals do that a bad judge does.

Because of his position of authority and influence, a bad referee is a condemnation of society.

10. Virtue envied is twice the virtue.

There is little more to add to this reflection of Francisco de Quevedo.

11. Nothing stirs up the bustle of the town like novelty.

Perhaps this is why, even six centuries later, we are compulsive consumers of news and current affairs of all kinds.

12. The brave one is afraid of the opposite; the coward, of his own fear.

Some people’s self-absorption can be their worst enemy.

13. Much becomes little just by wishing for a little more.

We put our needs into perspective as our unconscious commands us.

14. To be ashamed is virtue, power and humility; to let oneself be ashamed is vileness and crime.

In the line of the 12th sentence.

15. There are short books that, to understand them as they deserve, one needs a very long life.

About literature and how it can make us change and reflect.

16. All those who look stupid are stupid, and so are half of those who don’t look stupid.

Ironic and pungent phrase of Francisco de Quevedo.

17. Fear must always be preserved, but it must never be shown.

The weakness will always be there, but if you show it, you can be the firebrand.

18. Live only for you if you can, for only for you if you die, you die.

It’s not self-centeredness, it’s carpe diem.

19. A base architect is pride; he lays the foundation on top and the tiles on the ground.

Tearing apart pride, a very common defect in our day.

20. He who leaves the offended alive must always fear revenge.

Take your precautions if you’re in that frame of mind. Wise phrase from Quevedo.

21. The man who loses honor for business, loses business and honor.

Being dedicated and industrious at work brings us sweet fruits. Not being so… simply brings absolute ruin.

22. The friend must be like blood, which then goes to the wound without waiting to be called.

If you have a friend who’s there when you’re having a rough time, value him.

23. No one offers as much as the one who will not comply.

Don’t trust a man who takes everything for granted without having started working on it.

24. The general must be considered, and the soldier obedient.

A basic principle in hierarchical organizations.

25. The rich man eats; the poor man is fed.

The difference between joy and pure necessity.