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Andre Malraux

115quotes

Andre Malraux: A Life of Politics, Art, and Adventure


Full Name and Common Aliases


Andre Francois Malraux was a French novelist, art theorist, politician, and philosopher.

Birth and Death Dates


November 3, 1901 – November 23, 1977

Nationality and Profession(s)


French; Novelist, Art Theorist, Politician, Philosopher

As a key figure in 20th-century French culture, Andre Malraux embodied the complexities of his era. A polymath with interests spanning politics, art, and philosophy, he navigated multiple careers throughout his life.

Early Life and Background


Born in Paris to a family of modest means, Malraux's early years were marked by an intense curiosity about art and history. His mother, a painter, encouraged his artistic inclinations from a young age. Following her death when Andre was just six, he moved between foster homes and boarding schools.

Malraux's experiences during World War I – fighting in the trenches as a teenager – profoundly influenced his perspective on life and humanity. The war also sparked his interest in archaeology and art history, leading him to study these subjects at university.

Major Accomplishments


Malraux's literary career began with the publication of La Condition Humaine (1933), a novel that earned him the prestigious Goncourt Prize. However, it was not until the 1950s, when he entered politics, that his work gained international recognition.

As Minister of Information in General Charles de Gaulle's government, Malraux played a pivotal role in shaping France's cultural and artistic landscape. He advocated for the preservation of art treasures during World War II and implemented policies aimed at promoting French culture worldwide.

Notable Works or Actions


- La Condition Humaine: A novel set against the backdrop of the Chinese Revolution, it explores themes of humanism and the search for meaning.
- Les Voix du Silence (1951): This collection of essays on art history and aesthetics solidified Malraux's reputation as an influential art theorist.
- La Psychologie de l'Art: A comprehensive study of artistic psychology that drew on his own experiences as a collector, curator, and politician.

Throughout his life, Malraux was driven by a passion for the arts and a commitment to making culture accessible to all. His efforts in preserving France's cultural heritage and promoting its art worldwide remain significant contributions to the world of art and politics.

Impact and Legacy


Malraux's impact on French culture is immeasurable. As a politician, he played a crucial role in shaping the country's artistic and intellectual landscape. Through his writings, he not only critiqued modern society but also sought to redefine the relationship between artist, patron, and public.

His legacy extends beyond France, influencing artists, writers, and politicians worldwide. His emphasis on art as a unifying force continues to inspire generations of thinkers and creatives.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Andre Malraux is remembered for his unwavering dedication to the arts and his vision of culture as a bridge between nations. His ability to navigate multiple careers – novelist, politician, philosopher – has made him an enduring figure in 20th-century intellectual history.

Through his quotes, which often touch on the intersections of art, humanity, and politics, Malraux continues to inspire reflection and debate among scholars, artists, and readers worldwide.

Quotes by Andre Malraux

Andre Malraux's insights on:

Athirst for personal salvation, the West forgets that many religions had but a vague notion of the life beyond the grave; true, all great religions stake a claim on eternity, but not necessarily on man’s eternal life.
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Athirst for personal salvation, the West forgets that many religions had but a vague notion of the life beyond the grave; true, all great religions stake a claim on eternity, but not necessarily on man’s eternal life.
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The next century’s task will be to rediscover its gods.
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The next century’s task will be to rediscover its gods.
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All art is a revolt against man’s fate.
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All art is a revolt against man’s fate.
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Be careful – with quotations, you can damn anything.
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Be careful – with quotations, you can damn anything.
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I don’t argue with my enemies; I explain to their children.
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I don’t argue with my enemies; I explain to their children.
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The first duty of a leader is to make himself be loved without courting love. To be loved without ‘playing up’ to anyone – even to himself.
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The first duty of a leader is to make himself be loved without courting love. To be loved without ‘playing up’ to anyone – even to himself.
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Every young man’s heart is a graveyard in which are inscribed the names of a thousand dead artists but whose only actual denizens are a few mighty, often antagonistic, ghosts.
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Every young man’s heart is a graveyard in which are inscribed the names of a thousand dead artists but whose only actual denizens are a few mighty, often antagonistic, ghosts.
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A political leader is necessarily an imposter since he believes in solving life’s problems without asking its question.
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A political leader is necessarily an imposter since he believes in solving life’s problems without asking its question.
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In literature, as in Life, one is often astonished by what is chosen by others.
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In literature, as in Life, one is often astonished by what is chosen by others.
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There’s no such thing as a grown up person.
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There’s no such thing as a grown up person.
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