Paul Valery

Date of Birth: October 30, 1871

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: July 20, 1945

Biography

Paul Valéry, born Ambroise Paul Toussaint Jules Valéry, was a prominent French poet, essayist, and philosopher. He was born on October 30, 1871, in Sète, France. Valéry is best known for his profound and introspective poetry, as well as his essays on literature, art, and intellectual inquiry. His early works were influenced by the Symbolist movement, characterized by their emphasis on mood and atmosphere rather than concrete details. In 1892, Valéry experienced a profound intellectual crisis that led him to temporarily abandon poetry. He devoted himself to studying mathematics, philosophy, and science, which deeply influenced his later works. In 1917, he returned to poetry with the publication of “La Jeune Parque,” which was met with critical acclaim. Valéry’s work is distinguished by its precision, clarity, and exploration of the human mind. He was a member of the prestigious Académie Française and received numerous honors throughout his career. He passed away on July 20, 1945, in Paris, France, leaving behind a legacy of literary and philosophical contributions that continue to be studied and admired.

5 Interesting Facts about Paul Valery

1. Paul Valéry was a close friend of the famous French poet Stéphane Mallarmé, who had a significant influence on his early works.

2. Valéry took a 20-year break from writing poetry, during which time he focused on studying mathematics and philosophy.

3. He was elected to the Académie Française in 1925, one of the highest honors for a French writer.

4. Valéry’s work “La Jeune Parque” took four years to complete and is considered one of his masterpieces.

5. He was also a prolific essayist and wrote extensively on topics such as aesthetics, literature, and intellectual life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Paul Valery

1. “A poem is never finished, only abandoned.”

2. “The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.”

3. “A man is infinitely more complicated than his thoughts.”

4. “Serious-minded people have few ideas. People with ideas are never serious.”

5. “The trouble with our times is that the future is not what it used to be.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Paul Valéry’s net worth is not documented in historical records, as he lived in a time when such financial details were not typically disclosed for literary figures. However, his influence and contributions to literature and philosophy are invaluable.