André Gide (1869-1951) was a French author and literary figure known for his contributions to 20th-century literature. Here are some of the most well known André Gide quotes.
Best André Gide Quotes
André Gide (1869-1951) was a French writer, literary critic, and political activist.
Gide is considered one of the most important figures in 20th-century French literature, and his work is characterized by its introspective and often controversial themes.
He was part of the symbolist movement and is best known for his novel, The Counterfeiters, which won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1947.
In addition to his novels, Gide wrote essays and criticism on literature, politics, and social issues. He was a vocal critic of colonialism and imperialism, and was involved in political activism throughout his life.
Gide’s works often explored themes such as morality, religion and sexuality. His writings offered an alternative to traditional Catholicism and earned him widespread recognition in France and abroad.
Well Known Quotes André Gide
Only those things are beautiful which are inspired by madness and written by reason.
Believe those who seek the truth, doubt those who find it; doubt all, but do not doubt yourself.
Families, I hate you! Shut-in homes, closed doors, jealous possessions of happiness.
Sin is whatever obscures the soul.
Wisdom comes not from reason but from love.
Man cannot discover new lands without consenting to lose sight, for a very long time, of the shore.
It is with noble sentiments that bad literature gets written.
Famous Quotes By André Gide
Often the best in us springs from the worst in us.
Only fools don’t contradict themselves.
It is now, and in this world, that we must live.
Be faithful to that which exists within yourself.
The color of truth is gray.
It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for something you are not.
There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them.
Quotes From André Gide
Some of André Gide’s most notable works include:
- “The Immoralist” (L’Immoraliste, 1902): This novel tells the story of a young man who, after a period of illness, undergoes a moral and existential transformation, leading him to question societal norms and morality.
- “Strait Is the Gate” (La Porte étroite, 1909): This novel examines themes of religion and love through the lives of its main characters, emphasizing the idea of self-sacrifice and the conflict between personal desires and religious devotion.
- “The Counterfeiters” (Les Faux-monnayeurs, 1925): Considered one of his most ambitious works, this novel explores the world of literature, art, and philosophy, while also delving into themes of identity and authenticity.
- “Corydon” (1924): Gide’s essay “Corydon” is notable for its frank and groundbreaking discussion of homosexuality, making it one of the earliest works in French literature to address the topic openly.
- “The Journals of André Gide” (published posthumously): Gide kept extensive journals throughout his life, and these writings provide insights into his thoughts, creative process, and personal life.