The history of thought may be summed up in these words: it is absurd by what it seeks and great by what it finds. - Paul Valéry

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The history of thought may be summed up in these words: it is absurd by what it seeks and great by what it finds.

English
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About Paul Valéry

Ambroise-Paul-Toussaint-Jules Valéry (30 October 1871 – 20 July 1945) was a French author and Symbolist poet. His interests were sufficiently broad that he can be classified as a polymath. In addition to his fiction (poetry, drama, and dialogues), he also wrote many essays and aphorisms on art, history, letters, music, and current events.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Alternative Names: Paul Ambroise Valery Paul-Ambroise Valéry Paul Valery Paul-Ambroise Valery Ambroise Paul Toussaint Jules Valéry Paul Ambroise Valéry Doris
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Additional quotes by Paul Valéry

What grace of light, what pure toil goes to form The manifold diamond of the elusive foam! What peace I feel begotten at that source! When sunlight rests upon a profound sea, Time's air is sparkling, dream is certainty — Pure artifice both of an eternal Cause.

Le vent se lève! . . . il faut tenter de vivre!
L'air immense ouvre et referme mon livre,
La vague en poudre ose jaillir des rocs!
Envolez-vous, pages tout éblouies!
Rompez, vagues! Rompez d'eaux réjouies
Ce toit tranquille où picoraient des focs!

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