Quote#Books & Reading
I read, I study, I examine, I listen, I reflect, and out of all of…
Quote byGilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette · 1757–1834
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Letter to his father-in-law, the Duc d'Ayan (4 December 1776), as quoted in George Washington's Generals and Opponents: Their Exploits and Leadership (1994) by George Athan Billias, p. 219.
English (original)
I read, I study, I examine, I listen, I reflect, and out of all of this I try to form an idea into which I put as much common sense as I can. I shall not speak much for fear of saying foolish things; I will risk still less for fear of doing them, for I am not disposed to abuse the confidence which they have deigned to show me. Such is the conduct which until now I have followed and will follow.
— Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette
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