Rene Daumal

Date of Birth: March 16, 1908

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: May 21, 1944

Biography

René Daumal was a French surrealist writer and poet, born on March 16, 1908, in Boulzicourt, France. Known for his intellectual pursuits and deep interest in spiritual and philosophical ideas, Daumal’s literary career was marked by a profound exploration of consciousness and reality. He was a prominent figure in the literary movements of the early 20th century, particularly associated with the surrealist and pataphysical circles. Daumal’s best-known work is the novel “Mount Analogue,” an allegorical tale that merges mountaineering with metaphysical exploration, and which has been highly influential in both literary and philosophical contexts. He was also a founding member of the group of writers known as the “Simplists,” who sought to simplify language and expression to reach a purer form of truth. Despite his literary achievements, Daumal’s life was plagued by health issues, and his work often reflects his ongoing struggle with tuberculosis, which ultimately claimed his life at a young age. His writings continue to be celebrated for their depth, originality, and insight into the human condition.

5 Interesting Facts about Rene Daumal

1. René Daumal was a self-taught Sanskrit scholar and translated several important Hindu texts into French.

2. He was a close associate of the surrealist poet Roger Gilbert-Lecomte and co-founded the literary journal “Le Grand Jeu.”

3. Daumal experimented with various psychoactive substances in his youth, which deeply influenced his writing and philosophical outlook.

4. His incomplete novel “Mount Analogue” was posthumously published and later inspired the film “The Holy Mountain” by Alejandro Jodorowsky.

5. Despite his battle with tuberculosis, Daumal remained dedicated to his literary pursuits until his death, leaving behind a legacy of profound and mystical works.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rene Daumal

1. “You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place? Just this: what is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above.”

2. “Words are made for a certain exactness of thought, as tears are for a certain degree of pain.”

3. “Each time dawn appears, the mystery is there in its entirety.”

4. “Man is head, chest, and stomach. Each of these three parts must make a different effort.”

5. “The mind is the world, and the world is the mind.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

René Daumal did not achieve significant financial wealth during his lifetime. As a writer and intellectual in the early 20th century, his net worth remained modest.