Alphonse de Lamartine
Romanticism was the literary and artistic movement within which Alphonse de Lamartine made his career. Born in Mâcon on 21 October 1790, Lamartine was a French poet, writer, prose writer, historian, autobiographer, diplomat, politician, and foreign minister — a range of roles that marked him out from many of his contemporaries.
Writing in French, Lamartine produced work across several genres. His notable works include Poetical Meditations, Harmonies Poétiques et Religieuses, the poem Le Lac, the travel account Voyage en Orient, and the autobiographical prose piece Graziella. Alongside this literary output, he served as a diplomat and foreign minister, bringing an active public and political dimension to a career that also encompassed historical writing and autobiography.
His work and public service brought formal recognition. He received the Knight of the Legion of Honour and the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Joseph. Lamartine died in Paris on 28 February 1869.
Quotes by Alphonse de Lamartine
Alphonse de Lamartine's insights on:
Man is born barbarous – he is ransomed from the condition of beasts only by being cultivated.
Soul of the universe, Sire, God, Creator, Lord, I believe in Thee, ’neath all these names: And without having need to hear thy word, In the sky’s brow my glorious creed I trace.
Friendship, sweet-resting place of the soul, the gloaming wherein our hearts find peace...
It is admirable to die the victim of one’s faith; it is sad to die the dupe of one’s ambition.
Yet, in these autumn days when Nature expires, Here, in these veiled scenes, I find more attractions; It is a friend’s sad goodbye; it is the last smile From lips that death is going to close forever!
Before this century shall run out, journalism will be the whole press. Mankind will write their book day by day, hour by hour, page by page. Thought will spread abroad with the rapidity of light – instantly conceived, instantly written, instantly understood at the extremities of the earth.