Jean-Pierre Claris de Florian image
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Born in March 6, 1755 / Died in September 13, 1794 / France / French

Bibliography

Florian wrote a collection of fables. From these fables several expressions have passed into colloquial French:

  • Pour vivre heureux, vivons cachés: "In order to live happily, live hidden"
  • Chacun son métier, les vaches seront bien gardées: "To each his occupation, and the cows will be well guarded."
  • Rira bien qui rira le dernier: "He who laughs last laughs best."

The expression éclairer la lanterne ("light the lantern") is also drawn from Florian's fables.