Giorgos Seferis

Date of Birth: March 13, 1900

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: September 20, 1971

Biography

Giorgos Seferis, born Giorgos Stylianou Seferiades, was a renowned Greek poet and diplomat. He was born on March 13, 1900, in Smyrna (now İzmir, Turkey), which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. Seferis is celebrated for his contributions to Greek literature and is one of the most significant poets of the 20th century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1963, making him the first Greek to receive this honor. Seferis’ literary career began in the 1920s, and he was heavily influenced by the tumultuous political landscape of Greece, as well as his own experiences in diplomacy. His work often explores themes of exile, identity, and the continuity of Greek culture. Some of his most notable works include “Strophe,” “Mythistorema,” and “Gymnopaedia.” Apart from his literary achievements, Seferis served as a diplomat for Greece in various capacities, including postings in London, Beirut, and Ankara. His dual career as a poet and diplomat gave him a unique perspective on international affairs and enriched his poetic voice. Seferis passed away on September 20, 1971, in Athens, Greece. His legacy continues to influence both Greek literature and the broader world of poetry.

5 Interesting Facts about Giorgos Seferis

1. Giorgos Seferis was the first Greek to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1963.

2. His poetry often reflects themes of exile and displacement, influenced by his own experiences as a diplomat.

3. Seferis was a key figure in the “Generation of the ’30s,” a group of Greek writers and poets who modernized Greek literature.

4. In addition to his poetry, Seferis translated works by T.S. Eliot and other modernist poets into Greek.

5. Seferis’ work has been translated into numerous languages, making him one of the most internationally recognized Greek poets.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Giorgos Seferis

1. “Wherever I travel, Greece wounds me.”

2. “Our country is a closed place, all mountains and stones and trees, but it is open to the winds and to the sea.”

3. “I woke with this marble head in my hands; it exhausts my elbows and I don’t know where to put it down.”

4. “I think that the form of poetry must be as demanding as possible.”

5. “Don’t ask for a man to be happy; ask rather for him to be alive and to be aware of it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific figures regarding Giorgos Seferis’ net worth are not widely documented, his highest net worth would likely be modest compared to contemporary standards, primarily derived from his diplomatic salary and literary earnings.