Remy De Gourmont Quotes

Powerful Remy De Gourmont for Daily Growth

About Remy De Gourmont

Remy de Gourmont (1858-1915) was a French symbolist poet, essayist, and critic, known for his complex, sophisticated works that greatly influenced the literary world of his time. Born on October 23, 1858, in Rennes, Brittany, Gourmont spent his early years in France before moving to Paris, where he immersed himself in the bohemian art and literature scene. Influenced by the works of Baudelaire, Mallarmé, and Verlaine, Gourmont became a prominent figure in the Symbolist movement. His poetic style was characterized by its intricate metaphors, allusions, and deep philosophical undertones, often exploring themes of love, beauty, and the mysteries of life. His major works include "Les Reliques d'Astrée" (1897), a symbolist novel that blends mythology with contemporary issues; "La Maison de la Relique" (1902), a collection of poems that delves into the themes of time, memory, and the passage of life; and "Le Jardin de l'Art" (1906), an influential study on aesthetics that explores the relationship between art, nature, and spirituality. Gourmont was also a prolific essayist, contributing to numerous literary journals and magazines with his insightful critiques on art, literature, and philosophy. His essays offer profound analyses of various subjects, from the role of beauty in art to the psychology of love and desire. Despite his significant contributions to French literature, Gourmont's life was marred by personal struggles, including a tumultuous relationship with his wife, Marguerite Moreau. He died on August 20, 1915, at the age of 56, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to inspire and influence modern writers today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Art is the child of liberty and solitude."

Remy De Gourmont's quote suggests that creativity and artistic expression are born from freedom and isolation. In a liberated state, artists have the ability to explore their imagination without constraints, while solitude offers the quiet space necessary for introspection and reflection, fostering the unique ideas that form the basis of artworks. This interplay between liberty (creative expression) and solitude (introspective contemplation) is essential in nurturing artistic development and innovation.


"The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it's possible."

This quote by Remy de Gourmont underscores the power of belief in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. By having faith that something is possible, one can cultivate the resilience, determination, and creativity necessary to transform the impossible into reality. It encourages us to think beyond our current limitations and embrace the potential for growth and transformation that lies within us.


"In a world where you can be anything, be kind."

This quote underscores the importance of kindness in a world that offers limitless possibilities for self-expression and personal growth. It encourages us to transcend our own ambitions and aspirations and prioritize treating others with compassion, empathy, and understanding. By being kind, we create a more harmonious and inclusive environment, fostering connections that strengthen communities and inspire positive change. In essence, kindness serves as a powerful tool for human connection and social transformation.


"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

This quote emphasizes that belief in one's dreams is a powerful force driving success towards the future. It suggests that individuals with faith in the aesthetic appeal and potential outcomes of their aspirations are more likely to achieve them, because such conviction propels them to take action and persist through challenges. In essence, the quote underscores the importance of optimism and self-belief as key ingredients for shaping a desirable future.


"Life is a succession of moments, and to live each one is to succeed."

This quote by Remy de Gourmont suggests that life consists of a series of individual moments, and experiencing and making the most of each moment is what it means to "succeed" in life. It emphasizes the importance of living in the present and finding fulfillment in every moment, rather than focusing on achieving a particular end goal or outcome. The implication is that by fully engaging with each moment, one can lead a meaningful, successful life.


Aesthetic emotion puts man in a state favorable to the reception of erotic emotion. Art is the accomplice of love. Take love away and there is no longer art.

- Remy de Gourmont

Love, Art, Aesthetic, Accomplice

Man associates ideas not according to logic or verifiable exactitude, but according to his pleasure and interests. It is for this reason that most truths are nothing but prejudices.

- Remy de Gourmont

Reason, Pleasure, Prejudices, Verifiable

The terrible thing about the quest for truth is that you find it.

- Remy de Gourmont

Truth, Truth Is, Find, Terrible Thing

Women still remember the first kiss after men have forgotten the last.

- Remy de Gourmont

Relationship, Remember, Last, First Kiss

Industry has operated against the artisan in favor of the idler, and also in favor of capital and against labor. Any mechanical invention whatsoever has been more harmful to humanity than a century of war.

- Remy de Gourmont

Been, Capital, Whatsoever, Harmful

If the secret of being a bore is to tell all, the secret of pleasing is to say just enough to be - not understood, but divined.

- Remy de Gourmont

Say, Tell, The Secret Of, Understood

Thinking is hard work. One can't bear burdens and ideas at the same time.

- Remy de Gourmont

Work, Same, Same Time, Burdens

Man is the inventor of stupidity.

- Remy de Gourmont

Man, Stupidity, Inventor

Of all the sexual aberrations, perhaps the most peculiar is chastity.

- Remy de Gourmont

Most, Perhaps, Chastity, Peculiar

Each man must grant himself the emotions that he needs and the morality that suits him.

- Remy de Gourmont

Emotions, Himself, Needs, Grant

We live less and less, and we learn more and more. Sensibility is surrendering to intelligence.

- Remy de Gourmont

Learn, More, Sensibility, Surrendering

In order to understand life it is not only necessary not to be indifferent to men, but not to be indifferent to flocks, to trees. One should be indifferent to nothing.

- Remy de Gourmont

Men, Nothing, Necessary, Indifferent

Man has made use of his intelligence, he invented stupidity.

- Remy de Gourmont

Stupidity, Made, His, Invented

Art includes everything that stimulates the desire to live.

- Remy de Gourmont

Art, Desire, Everything, Stimulates

Try to put well in practice what you already know. In so doing, you will, in good time, discover the hidden things you now inquire about.

- Remy de Gourmont

Practice, Discover, Inquire, Good Time

Two elements are needed to form a truth - a fact and an abstraction.

- Remy de Gourmont

Truth, Fact, Form, Elements

Life is a series of sensations connected to different states of consciousness.

- Remy de Gourmont

Connected, Consciousness, Sensations

The woman who loves always smells good.

- Remy de Gourmont

Woman, Always, Loves, Smells

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