"What is got over the Devil's back is spent under the belly."

François Rabelais Literature See all quotes by François Rabelais →

React to this quote

More by François Rabelais

“What cannot be cured must be endured.”

“There was left only the monk to provide for, whom Gargantua would have made Abbot of Seville, but he refused it. He would have given him the Abbey of Bourgueil, or of Sanct Florent, which was better, or both, if it pleased him ; but the monk gave him a very peremptory answer, that he would never take upon him the charge nor government of monks. For how shall I be able, said he, to rule over others, that have not full power and command of myself: If you think I have done you, or may hereafter do you any acceptable service, give me leave to found an abbey after my own mind and fancy.”

“He did not care a button for it.”

“So much is a man worth as he esteems himself.”

“Scampering as if the Devil drove them.”

“Plain as the nose in a man's face.”

Resonant Thoughts

"I can’t say precisely. I don’t think anyone really knows how a story takes shape. When it’s done you try to explain how it happened, but every effort, at least in my case, is insufficient. There is a …"

— Elena Ferrante

Literature1943

#writing

"After nearly a quarter of a century of prosperity under the Constitution, the spirit of slavery so far triumphed over the early principles and practices of the government that, in 1812, South Carolina…"

— James A. Garfield

Politics1831–1881

#politics

"Yelena, you've driven me crazy. You've caused me considerable trouble and I've contemplated ending your life twice since I've known you." Valek's warm breath in my ear sent a shiver down my spine."But…"

— Maria V. Snyder

Literature1973

#love

"During the Arab invasion of Sindh , Muhammad bin Qasim first attacked Debal, a word derived from Deval meaning temple. It was situated on the sea-coast not far from modern Karachi. It was garrisoned b…"

— Muhammad bin Qasim

Military696–715

#family