Georges Bataille

Date of Birth: September 10, 1897

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: July 8, 1962

Biography

Georges Bataille was a French intellectual and writer whose work traversed multiple domains including literature, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology. Born on September 10, 1897, in Billom, Puy-de-Dôme, France, Bataille grew up in a family marked by tragedy and mental illness. His father was blind and paralyzed due to syphilis, and his mother suffered from mental health issues. Bataille initially studied for the priesthood but later abandoned his religious pursuits to immerse himself in secular and often controversial intellectual endeavors. He became a prominent figure in the surrealist movement and was closely associated with André Breton. Bataille’s works often explored themes of eroticism, mysticism, and transgression, challenging societal norms and taboos. Among his most notable works are “Story of the Eye” (1928), “The Accursed Share” (1949), and “Erotism: Death and Sensuality” (1957). His writings have influenced a wide array of fields and thinkers, including Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, and Jean-Paul Sartre. Bataille also founded several influential journals such as “Documents” and “Critique.” Georges Bataille passed away on July 8, 1962, in Paris, France, leaving behind a complex and provocative legacy that continues to inspire and challenge readers and scholars alike.

5 Interesting Facts about Georges Bataille

1. Georges Bataille initially studied to become a priest before abandoning his religious studies.

2. He was a founding member of the secret society Acéphale, which explored themes of sacrifice and anti-authoritarianism.

3. Bataille worked as a librarian at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.

4. He was deeply influenced by the work of Friedrich Nietzsche and incorporated Nietzschean themes into his own writings.

5. Bataille’s work “Story of the Eye” was published under the pseudonym Lord Auch, reflecting its controversial and explicit content.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Georges Bataille

1. “I believe that truth has only one face: that of a violent contradiction.”

2. “Eroticism, it may be said, is assenting to life up to the point of death.”

3. “I only exist in the complete surrender of myself.”

4. “Literature is not innocent. It is guilty and should admit itself so.”

5. “The need to go astray, to be destroyed, is an extremely private, distant, passionate, turbulent truth.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Georges Bataille’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a writer and intellectual, his financial success was modest compared to contemporary literary figures. His primary wealth lay in his intellectual contributions rather than monetary gains.