Francisco de Quevedo

Date of Birth: September 14, 1580

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: September 8, 1645

Biography

Francisco de Quevedo y Villegas was a prominent Spanish writer of the Baroque era, known for his sharp wit, satirical style, and profound philosophical works. Born into a noble family in Madrid, Spain, Quevedo was educated at the University of Alcalá and later at the University of Valladolid. He became a leading figure in Spanish Golden Age literature, excelling in both poetry and prose. Quevedo’s works often addressed themes of morality, politics, and the human condition, reflecting his deep engagement with the social and political issues of his time. Quevedo was not only a literary figure but also an active participant in the political life of Spain. He served as a secretary to the Duke of Osuna and was involved in various diplomatic missions. His political career, however, was fraught with challenges, including periods of imprisonment due to his outspoken criticism of the Spanish court and his enemies. Despite his turbulent political life, Quevedo’s literary output remained prolific. His most famous works include “Los Sueños” (The Dreams), a series of satirical visions critiquing society, and “La Vida del Buscón” (The Life of a Scoundrel), a picaresque novel that became a classic of Spanish literature. Quevedo’s poetry is equally renowned, featuring sonnets that explore themes of love, death, and the fleeting nature of life.

5 Interesting Facts about Francisco de Quevedo

1. Francisco de Quevedo was a master of the conceptismo style, characterized by its intricate wordplay and deep philosophical content.

2. He had a famous feud with another Spanish writer, Luis de Góngora, which resulted in several scathing literary exchanges.

3. Quevedo was imprisoned multiple times due to his political writings and involvement in various conspiracies against powerful figures.

4. He was fluent in several languages, including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Italian, which influenced his literary work.

5. His satirical writings often critiqued the corruption and decadence of the Spanish court and society.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francisco de Quevedo

1. “We all enter the world naked and crying, and we all leave the same way.”

2. “He who spends time regretting the past loses the present and risks the future.”

3. “The surest way to be deceived is to think oneself cleverer than others.”

4. “The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.”

5. “There is no greater misfortune than not being able to endure misfortune.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Due to the historical context, specific financial figures such as net worth are not applicable to Francisco de Quevedo. However, he was born into a noble family and had periods of both wealth and financial difficulty throughout his life.

Children

Francisco de Quevedo did not have any children. He was married once, to Esperanza de Mendoza, but the marriage was short-lived and they had no offspring.