If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood... teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Writers & Literary Figures

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944) was a French aviator and writer whose fable 'The Little Prince' has become the most translated non-religious book in history. His aviation memoirs - 'Night Flight,' 'Wind, Sand and Stars' - transformed the experience of early flight into philosophical meditation on courage, responsibility, and human connection.

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Source: Citadelle (attributed)Unverified

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Other Quotes

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.

You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.

One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eyes.

Related Quotes

Wisdom that comes only after hearing others' opinions is not true wisdom.

-- Toyotomi Hideyoshi

People are the castle, people are the walls, people are the moat. Compassion makes allies; cruelty makes enemies.

-- Takeda Shingen

Youth on horseback has passed. The world is at peace and white hairs multiply. With what remains of life that heaven permits, how can I not enjoy it?

-- Date Masamune

A man who wants neither life, nor fame, nor rank, nor money — such a man is the hardest to deal with.

-- Saigō Takamori

Revere Heaven, Love People.

-- Saigō Takamori

Without first establishing internal governance, there can be no external campaigns.

-- Ōkubo Toshimichi