Francois Fenelon

Date of Birth: August 6, 1651

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: January 7, 1715

Biography

François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon, commonly known as François Fénelon, was a French Roman Catholic archbishop, theologian, poet, and writer. Born on August 6, 1651, in Château de Fénelon, France, he was the son of Pons de Salignac, Comte de La Mothe-Fénelon, and Louise de La Cropte. Fénelon was ordained as a priest in 1675 and quickly rose to prominence within the Church due to his eloquence and intellect. Fénelon is best known for his spiritual writings and his work as a tutor to the Duke of Burgundy, the grandson of King Louis XIV. His most famous work, “The Adventures of Telemachus,” published in 1699, was both a critique of the French monarchy and an educational treatise. This work, along with his mystical and theological writings, placed him at odds with the court and the more conservative elements of the Church. Despite his controversies, Fénelon remained a significant religious and literary figure throughout his life. His deep commitment to spirituality and reform marked him as a visionary thinker. Fénelon passed away on January 7, 1715, in Cambrai, France, where he served as the Archbishop.

5 Interesting Facts about Francois Fenelon

1. Fénelon was appointed as the Archbishop of Cambrai in 1695.

2. His work “The Adventures of Telemachus” was initially banned in France due to its implicit criticism of King Louis XIV.

3. Fénelon was a proponent of Quietism, a controversial form of Christian mysticism that emphasizes inner stillness and the direct experience of God.

4. He was a member of the French Academy, an institution dedicated to the preservation of the French language and literature.

5. Fénelon advocated for educational reform, emphasizing the importance of moral and spiritual development over rote learning.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francois Fenelon

1. “To know God is everything; to love Him is to know Him rightly.”

2. “All wars are civil wars, because all men are brothers.”

3. “The more you say, the less people remember.”

4. “True charity consists in doing good to those who do us evil, and in thus winning them over.”

5. “There is a great difference between stillness and peace; peace is a state of inner calm, while stillness is simply the absence of noise.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a clergyman and religious figure in the 17th and 18th centuries, François Fénelon’s net worth is not applicable in the modern sense. However, his influence and legacy in religious and literary circles are immeasurable.