Walker Percy

Date of Birth: May 28, 1916

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: May 10, 1990

Biography

Walker Percy was an American writer and essayist known for his philosophical novels set in and around New Orleans, Louisiana. Born into a distinguished Southern family, Percy initially pursued a career in medicine, earning his M.D. degree from Columbia University in 1941. However, after contracting tuberculosis during his residency, he turned to writing while recovering in a sanatorium. His debut novel, “The Moviegoer,” won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1962 and established him as a major voice in American literature. Percy’s works often explore themes of existentialism, identity, and the search for meaning in modern life. He was heavily influenced by the existentialist philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard and the semiotics of Charles Sanders Peirce. Over his career, he wrote six novels, three non-fiction books, and numerous essays. Percy’s other notable works include “The Last Gentleman” (1966), “Love in the Ruins” (1971), and “The Thanatos Syndrome” (1987). Percy was also a devout Roman Catholic, having converted from agnosticism in the late 1940s. His faith significantly influenced his writing, infusing his narratives with spiritual and moral questions. Walker Percy passed away on May 10, 1990, leaving behind a legacy of profound and thought-provoking literature.

5 Interesting Facts about Walker Percy

1. Walker Percy won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1962 for his debut novel, “The Moviegoer.”

2. He initially trained as a medical doctor and contracted tuberculosis during his residency, which led to his career shift to writing.

3. Percy was a devout Roman Catholic and his faith greatly influenced his literary themes.

4. He was heavily influenced by the existentialist philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard and the semiotics of Charles Sanders Peirce.

5. Percy co-founded the Fellowship of Southern Writers in 1987.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Walker Percy

1. “You can get all A’s and still flunk life.”

2. “The search is what anyone would undertake if he were not sunk in the everydayness of his own life.”

3. “Bad books always lie. They lie most of all about the human condition.”

4. “To become aware of the possibility of the search is to be on to something.”

5. “We love those who know the worst of us and don’t turn their faces away.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific figures for Walker Percy’s net worth are not widely documented, his highest net worth was likely in the range of several hundred thousand dollars, primarily accrued from book sales and literary awards.