Date of Birth: August 4, 1904
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: July 24, 1969
Biography
Witold Gombrowicz was a renowned Polish novelist, playwright, and essayist, known for his unique style and profound impact on 20th-century literature. Born in Małoszyce, Poland, Gombrowicz spent his early years in a well-off family. He studied law at the University of Warsaw but soon turned his focus to literature. His first major work, “Ferdydurke,” published in 1937, established his reputation as a significant literary figure. Gombrowicz’s work often explored themes of identity, culture, and the absurdity of human existence. In 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II, Gombrowicz traveled to Argentina, where he ended up staying for over two decades due to the war and subsequent political changes in Europe. During his time in Argentina, he continued to write and also worked in various jobs, including as a bank clerk. His later works, such as “Trans-Atlantyk” and “Pornografia,” further cemented his place in literary history. Gombrowicz returned to Europe in the 1960s, eventually settling in France, where he continued to write until his death. His works have been translated into numerous languages, and he remains a celebrated figure in world literature.
5 Interesting Facts about Witold Gombrowicz
1. Witold Gombrowicz was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature multiple times but never won.
2. His novel “Ferdydurke” was banned in Poland during the communist regime.
3. Gombrowicz was openly critical of both fascism and communism, which made his work controversial.
4. He wrote his diary, “Dziennik,” which provides a deep insight into his thoughts and is considered a masterpiece of Polish literature.
5. Gombrowicz’s work has influenced numerous writers and intellectuals, including Milan Kundera and Susan Sontag.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Witold Gombrowicz
1. “I do not choose the suffering that comes with freedom, I choose the freedom that comes with suffering.”
2. “Maturity is the ability to live with ambiguity.”
3. “Man does not have a nature, but a history.”
4. “Art is a lie that enables us to realize the truth.”
5. “The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Witold Gombrowicz’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but it is known that he lived modestly, especially during his years in Argentina.
Children
Witold Gombrowicz did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Witold Gombrowicz – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witold_Gombrowicz
3. [Witold Gombrowicz – The Paris Review](https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/tag/witold-gombrowicz/
4. [Witold Gombrowicz – Culture.pl](https://culture.pl/en/artist/witold-gombrowicz
5. [Witold Gombrowicz – Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14245.Witold_Gombrowicz
