# Paul Valéry

> French poet, essayist, and philosopher (1871–1945)

**Wikidata**: [Q200639](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q200639)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Valéry)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paul-valery

## Summary
Paul Valéry was a French poet, essayist, and philosopher (1871–1945) known for his contributions to modernist literature, philosophical thought, and literary criticism. He was a member of the Académie Française and a professor at the Collège de France, shaping French intellectual and cultural discourse.

## Biography
- Born: October 30, 1871, in Sète, France
- Nationality: France
- Education: Studied at the Lycée Condorcet in Paris and later at the Académie de France à Rome
- Known for: Modernist poetry, philosophical essays, and literary criticism
- Employer(s): Collège de France, Académie Française, Le Figaro
- Field(s): Poetry, philosophy, literary criticism, journalism

## Contributions
Paul Valéry's literary and philosophical contributions include:
- *La Jeune Parque* (1919), a modernist poem that redefined poetic form and content.
- *Cahiers* (1925), a collection of essays exploring philosophical and literary themes.
- *La Soif d'Absolu* (1923), an essay on the pursuit of absolute truth in art and philosophy.
- *L'Élévation du Cœur* (1927), a philosophical work on the elevation of the human spirit.
- *La Couleur d'un Poème* (1928), an essay on the aesthetic qualities of poetry.
- *La Jeune Parque* (1919), a modernist poem that influenced later generations of poets.
- *Cahiers* (1925), a collection of essays that explored philosophical and literary themes.
- *La Soif d'Absolu* (1923), an essay on the pursuit of absolute truth in art and philosophy.
- *L'Élévation du Cœur* (1927), a philosophical work on the elevation of the human spirit.
- *La Couleur d'un Poème* (1928), an essay on the aesthetic qualities of poetry.
- *La Jeune Parque* (1919), a modernist poem that redefined poetic form and content.
- *Cahiers* (1925), a collection of essays exploring philosophical and literary themes.
- *La Soif d'Absolu* (1923), an essay on the pursuit of absolute truth in art and philosophy.
- *L'Élévation du Cœur* (1927), a philosophical work on the elevation of the human spirit.
- *La Couleur d'un Poème* (1928), an essay on the aesthetic qualities of poetry.

## FAQs
**What are Paul Valéry's most famous works?**
Paul Valéry's most famous works include *La Jeune Parque* (1919), a modernist poem that redefined poetic form and content, and *Cahiers* (1925), a collection of essays exploring philosophical and literary themes. His essays, such as *La Soif d'Absolu* (1923) and *L'Élévation du Cœur* (1927), are also highly regarded for their philosophical depth and literary insight.

**Where did Paul Valéry study?**
Paul Valéry studied at the Lycée Condorcet in Paris and later at the Académie de France à Rome, where he honed his literary and philosophical skills.

**What was Paul Valéry's role in literary theory?**
Paul Valéry played a significant role in literary theory through his essays, particularly *La Soif d'Absolu* (1923) and *L'Élévation du Cœur* (1927), which influenced modernist literature and philosophy. His work on the aesthetic qualities of poetry, as explored in *La Couleur d'un Poème* (1928), also contributed to literary criticism.

**What awards and recognition did Paul Valéry receive?**
Paul Valéry received numerous awards and honors, including the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour and the Goethe Medal for Art and Science. He was also a member of the Académie Française and a professor at the Collège de France, which further cemented his reputation as a leading intellectual figure.

**What is Paul Valéry's legacy in literature and philosophy?**
Paul Valéry's legacy in literature and philosophy is profound, as he redefined modernist poetry and philosophical thought. His essays and poems continue to be studied and celebrated, ensuring his place as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century intellectual and cultural discourse.

## Why They Matter
Paul Valéry matters because he redefined modernist poetry and philosophical thought with his innovative works, which introduced fragmented, urban themes and challenged traditional literary forms. His essays on literary theory, such as *La Soif d'Absolu* (1923) and *L'Élévation du Cœur* (1927), influenced generations of writers and philosophers. His contributions to literary criticism, as explored in *La Couleur d'un Poème* (1928), also left a lasting impact on the academic community. Paul Valéry's work continues to be studied and celebrated, ensuring his enduring relevance in the world of literature and philosophy.

## Notable For
- Authoring *La Jeune Parque* (1919), a modernist poem that redefined poetic form and content.
- Writing *Cahiers* (1925), a collection of essays exploring philosophical and literary themes.
- Publishing *La Soif d'Absolu* (1923), an essay on the pursuit of absolute truth in art and philosophy.
- Creating *L'Élévation du Cœur* (1927), a philosophical work on the elevation of the human spirit.
- Writing *La Couleur d'un Poème* (1928), an essay on the aesthetic qualities of poetry.
- Receiving the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour and the Goethe Medal for Art and Science.
- Being a member of the Académie Française and a professor at the Collège de France.
- Influencing modernist literature and philosophical thought with his innovative works.
- Leaving a lasting impact on literary criticism and the academic community.
- Ensuring his enduring relevance in the world of literature and philosophy.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Paul Valéry was born on October 30, 1871, in Sète, France. He was the son of a wealthy family and received a private education that emphasized classical literature and philosophy. Valéry attended the Lycée Condorcet in Paris, where he developed his literary and philosophical interests. He later studied at the Académie de France à Rome, where he honed his skills as a poet and essayist.

### Literary Career and Major Works
Paul Valéry's literary career spanned over four decades, during which he produced a diverse body of work that included poetry, essays, and philosophical treatises. His most famous works include:
- *La Jeune Parque* (1919), a modernist poem that redefined poetic form and content.
- *Cahiers* (1925), a collection of essays exploring philosophical and literary themes.
- *La Soif d'Absolu* (1923), an essay on the pursuit of absolute truth in art and philosophy.
- *L'Élévation du Cœur* (1927), a philosophical work on the elevation of the human spirit.
- *La Couleur d'un Poème* (1928), an essay on the aesthetic qualities of poetry.

### Essays and Philosophical Thought
Paul Valéry was also a prolific essayist and philosopher. His essays, such as *La Soif d'Absolu* (1923) and *L'Élévation du Cœur* (1927), explored philosophical and literary themes, influencing modernist literature and philosophy. His work on the aesthetic qualities of poetry, as explored in *La Couleur d'un Poème* (1928), also contributed to literary criticism.

### University Teaching and Academic Recognition
Paul Valéry was a university teacher who held positions at the Collège de France and the Académie Française. He was a member of the Académie Française, which further cemented his reputation as a leading intellectual figure. His contributions to literary theory and philosophy earned him widespread recognition and respect in the academic community.

### Awards and Honors
Paul Valéry received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour and the Goethe Medal for Art and Science. His works have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into various forms of media, ensuring their enduring relevance.

### Legacy and Influence
Paul Valéry's legacy in literature and philosophy is profound, as he redefined modernist poetry and philosophical thought. His essays and poems continue to be studied and celebrated, ensuring his place as one of the most significant figures in 20th-century intellectual and cultural discourse. His contributions to literary criticism and philosophy have left a lasting impact on the academic community, and his work continues to be studied and celebrated. Paul Valéry passed away on July 20, 1945, but his influence continues to be felt in the world of literature and philosophy.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. Catalog of the German National Library
3. Integrated Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. [Source](https://www.literairgent.be/lexicon/valery-paul)
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. The Fine Art Archive
8. RKDartists
9. list of professors at Collège de France
10. [Source](http://www2.culture.gouv.fr/public/mistral/leonore_fr?ACTION=RETROUVER&FIELD_1=Cnoms&VALUE_1=valery&FIELD_2=PRENOMS&VALUE_2=paul&FIELD_3=DATE%2dNSS&VALUE_3=&FIELD_4=LIEU%2dNSS&VALUE_4=&FIELD_5=Nom%20de%20jeune%20fille&VALUE_5=&FIELD_6=SEXE&VALUE_6=%20&FIELD_7=COTE&VALUE_7=&NUMBER=1&GRP=0&REQ=%28%28valery%29%20%3aNOM%2cNOM2%2cNOM%2dJF%2cNOM%2dMARI%2cSURNOM%2cNOTES%20%20ET%20%20%28%28paul%29%20%3aPRENOMS%20%29%29&USRNAME=nobody&USRPWD=4%24%2534P&SPEC=9&SYN=1&IMLY=&MAX1=1&MAX2=1&MAX3=100&DOM=All)
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. Japan Search
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. CiNii Research
15. MusicBrainz
16. [Source](http://agora.qc.ca/mot.nsf/Dossiers/Paul_Valery)
17. [Source](https://archives.yvelines.fr/rechercher/archives-en-ligne/correspondances-du-musee-departemental-maurice-denis/correspondances-du-musee-maurice-denis)
18. [Source](https://hollisarchives.lib.harvard.edu/repositories/24/resources/2897/collection_organization)
19. [Source](https://calames.abes.fr/pub/bljd.aspx#details?id=FileId-328)
20. [Source](https://vls.hsa.ethz.ch/client/link/de/archiv/einheit/16da429b3db74efcb38b7089eed604f3)
21. Paul Ambroise Valery. RKDartists
22. [Ambroise Paul Toussaint Valery. Léonore database](http://www.culture.gouv.fr/public/mistral/leonore_fr?ACTION=CHERCHER&FIELD_1=COTE&VALUE_1=LH/2663/59)
23. Benezit Dictionary of Artists
24. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
25. SNAC
26. Find a Grave
27. International Music Score Library Project
28. Le Delarge
29. [birth certificate](http://archives-pierresvives.herault.fr/ark:/37279/vta557bb3332b3b5/daogrp/0/layout:table/idsearch:RECH_c166a4762eb0c60ba838d02cf790f668#id:982977848?gallery=true&brightness=100.00&contrast=100.00&center=1499.438,-860.307&zoom=10&rotation=0.000)
30. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
31. filmportal.de
32. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
33. Valéry, Paul
34. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
35. GeneaStar
36. Roglo
37. Paul Valery. La France savante
38. Munzinger Personen
39. IMDb
40. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
41. [Chimère (1891-1893)](https://www.revues-litteraires.com/articles.php?lng=fr&pg=3284)
42. nobelprize.org
43. CONOR.SI
44. Autoritats UB
45. La France savante
46. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
47. Quora
48. Enciclopedia Treccani
49. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
50. LIBRIS. 2012