Julien Benda Quotes

A collection of quotes by Julien Benda.

Julien Benda (1867-1956) was a French philosopher, novelist, and essayist. He gained prominence for his works on intellectual and moral decadence in modern society. Benda's most notable book, "La Trahison des Clercs" (The Treason of the Intellectuals), was published in 1927. In it, he criticized the intellectuals of his time for abandoning their commitment to objective truth and devoting themselves to partisan ideologies. Benda believed in the importance of universal values and the detachment of intellectuals from political passions. His work continues to be influential in philosophy and sociology.

The man of science, the artist, the philosopher are attached

The man of science, the artist, the philosopher are attached to their nations as much as the day-laborer and the merchant.

Julien Benda

Science Man Nations

And History will smile to think that this is the species for

And History will smile to think that this is the species for which Socrates and Jesus Christ died.

Julien Benda

History

I shall go further and say that even if an examination of th

I shall go further and say that even if an examination of the past could lead to any valid prediction concerning man's future, that prediction would be the contrary of reassuring.

Julien Benda

Future

Peace, if it ever exists, will not be based on the fear of w

Peace, if it ever exists, will not be based on the fear of war but on the love of peace.

Julien Benda

Fear