Paul Ambroise Valery Quotes

A collection of quotes by Paul Ambroise Valery.

Paul Ambroise Valéry (1871-1945) was a French poet, philosopher, and essayist who made significant contributions to the intellectual and artistic landscape of the early 20th century. Born on October 30, 1871, in Sète, a port town in the south of France, Valéry exhibited a precocious talent for writing from a young age.

Valéry's literary pursuits were diverse and encompassed poetry, essays, and drama. He gained recognition in 1917 with the publication of his long poem "La Jeune Parque" (The Young Fate), which solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in French literature. He continued to garner critical acclaim with subsequent works, including "Le Cimetière marin" (The Cemetery by the Sea) and "Charmes" (Charms).

Beyond his poetic achievements, Valéry was known for his philosophical thoughts on topics such as art, literature, and the workings of the human mind. His "Introduction à la méthode de Léonard de Vinci" (Introduction to the Method of Leonardo da Vinci) is celebrated as a seminal work on creativity and creative processes.

Valéry's insights into the nature of language and the role of poetry in society influenced generations of writers and intellectuals. He was part of the intellectual avant-garde of his time, associated with figures like André Gide and Stéphane Mallarmé, and was a prominent member of the Collège de Sociologie, a group dedicated to the study of social phenomena.

Recognized for his exceptional intellect and refined aesthetic sensibilities, Paul Valéry remains an influential figure in French literature and philosophy. He passed away on July 20, 1945, in Paris, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire and challenge readers.