Luc de Clapiers, marquis de Vauvenargues

Luc de Clapiers, marquis de Vauvenargues was a French writer and moralist. He died at age 31, in broken health, having published the year prior—anonymously—a collection of essays and aphorisms with the encouragement of Voltaire, his friend. He first received public notice under his own name in 1797, and from 1857 on, his aphorisms became popular. In the history of French literature, his significance lies chiefly in his friendship with Voltaire.

6 August 1715

Born on the same birth day (6 August): Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha • Byard Lancaster • Emperor Go-Toba • Geri Halliwell • James Henry Greathead • Jess Collins • Luciano Zavagno • Richard Hofstadter • Ron Jones (television director) • Travis Reed • Wilmer Flores