Charles de Saint-Évremond

Date of Birth: April 1, 1613

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 29, 1703

Biography

Charles de Saint-Évremond was a prominent French critic, essayist, and soldier born on April 1, 1613, in Saint-Denis-le-Guast, Normandy, France. His full name was Charles Marguetel de Saint-Denis, Seigneur de Saint-Évremond. He is best known for his critical writings and essays, which often examined the cultural and social milieu of his time. Saint-Évremond’s work contributed significantly to the development of literary criticism in the 17th century. Educated at the Collège de Clermont (now Lycée Louis-le-Grand) in Paris, he initially pursued a military career and participated in several campaigns. However, his sharp wit and critical nature often put him at odds with authority, leading to his eventual exile to England in 1661 after falling out of favor with the French court. In England, he became a celebrated figure in literary and social circles, rubbing shoulders with prominent figures like John Dryden and Samuel Pepys. His works were widely read, and he enjoyed the patronage of Queen Henrietta Maria, the widow of Charles I. Saint-Évremond remained in England until his death, producing a substantial body of work that includes satirical essays, critical reflections, and letters that have been valued for their insight and wit.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles de Saint-Évremond

1. Saint-Évremond was exiled from France due to his critical writings about the peace treaty that ended the Franco-Spanish War.

2. He was known for his friendship with Queen Henrietta Maria, the widow of King Charles I of England.

3. Despite being a critic, Saint-Évremond was also an accomplished soldier and fought in several military campaigns.

4. His works were initially published posthumously, as he refrained from publishing many during his lifetime due to their controversial nature.

5. Saint-Évremond is buried in Westminster Abbey, an honor that reflects his esteemed status in England.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles de Saint-Évremond

1. “The true art of being agreeable is to appear well-pleased with all the company, and rather to seem well entertained with them than to bring entertainment to them.”

2. “One must choose in life between boredom and suffering.”

3. “To love to read is to exchange hours of ennui for hours of delight.”

4. “The world is a perpetual caricature of itself; at every moment it is the mockery and the contradiction of what it pretends to be.”

5. “There is no man who is not a greater fool for his own opinion than for the opinion of others.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As Saint-Évremond lived in the 17th century, his net worth cannot be accurately quantified in modern terms. However, he enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle in exile, supported by patrons in England, and was well-regarded in literary and social circles.