When we hide our failings from others, we seek to hide them from ourselves, and it is in the latter attempt that we are most successful.
"Pierre Nicole" was one of the most distinguished of the French Jansenists.
Born in Chartres, he was the son of a provincial barrister, who took in charge his education. Sent to Paris in 1642 to study theology, he soon entered into relations with the Jansenist community at Port-Royal-des-Champs/Port-Royal through his aunt, Marie des Anges Suireau, who was for a short time abbess of the convent, and he taught for a while at the Petites écoles de Port-Royal. Some scruple of conscience forbade him to proceed to the priesthood, and he remained throughout life a "clerk in minor orders," although a profound theological scholar. For some years he was a master in the "little school" for boys established at Port Royal, and had the honour of teaching Greek to young Jean Racine, the future poet. But his chief duty was to act, in collaboration with Antoine Arnauld, as general editor of the controversial literature put forth by the Jansenists.
If you enjoy these quotes, be sure to check out other famous writers! More Pierre Nicole on Wikipedia.We need a reason for speaking, we need none for keeping silent.
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