Maurice Blanchot

Date of Birth: September 22, 1907

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: February 20, 2003

Biography

Maurice Blanchot was a French writer, philosopher, and literary theorist, born on September 22, 1907, in Quain, Saône-et-Loire, France. Throughout his prolific career, he was renowned for his profound and complex works which often blurred the lines between fiction, philosophy, and criticism. Blanchot’s writings delve into themes of death, the infinite, and the nature of literature itself, influencing notable thinkers like Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, and Emmanuel Levinas. Blanchot’s early career saw him engaged in political journalism, but he gradually shifted focus to literary and philosophical explorations. His significant works include “Thomas the Obscure” (1941), “The Space of Literature” (1955), and “The Writing of the Disaster” (1980). He maintained a secluded and private life, which added to the enigmatic aura surrounding him and his works. Maurice Blanchot passed away on February 20, 2003, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge readers and thinkers worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Maurice Blanchot

1. Maurice Blanchot was a central figure in post-war French intellectual life, contributing extensively to literary criticism and philosophy.

2. Despite his influential career, Blanchot lived a reclusive life, rarely making public appearances or giving interviews.

3. He was associated with the Surrealist movement early in his career but later distanced himself from it.

4. Blanchot was involved in the French Resistance during World War II, an experience that profoundly impacted his writing.

5. His work “The Infinite Conversation” (1969) is considered a seminal text in the field of literary theory and deconstruction.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Maurice Blanchot

1. “Literature begins at the moment when literature becomes a question.”

2. “The disaster ruins everything, all the while leaving everything intact.”

3. “To write is to break the bond that unites the word with time.”

4. “Friendship is the very possibility of philosophy.”

5. “The work of art is the death mask of its conception.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Maurice Blanchot’s work was more critically acclaimed than commercially successful, and he did not achieve significant financial wealth. His highest net worth is estimated to have been modest, primarily deriving from his writings and contributions to literary journals.