Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by Malcolm de Chazal (Mauritian Writer, Painter)

Malcolm de Chazal (1902–81) was a Mauritian writer, painter, and philosopher renowned for his poetic and surreal views on life, nature, and art. Though he spent much of his life in relative obscurity, he was an influential figure in Mauritius’ intellectual and cultural landscape, contributing to surrealism and existentialism.

Born in Vacoas to a French family, de Chazal wrote in French. He studied engineering at Louisiana State University, graduating in 1926, and spent six years in the United States before returning to Mauritius, where he worked as an agronomist and for the Office of Telecommunications.

His most famous work, Sens-Plastique (1948,) is a collection of philosophical essays that blend poetry, art theory, and reflections on human existence and the natural world. Considered a surrealist masterpiece, the book challenges conventional thinking and advocates for art’s transformative power in altering perception.

De Chazal also wrote The Tropical World of Malcolm de Chazal (1961,) which expanded on his ideas, along with several lesser-known works. Though not widely recognized in mainstream literature, his unique approach and profound insights have earned him a devoted following.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Malcolm de Chazal

A women knows how to keep quiet when she is in the right, whereas a man, when he is in the right, will keep on talking.
—Malcolm de Chazal
Topics: Women, Men & Women, Men

Our expression and our words never coincide, which is why the animals don’t understand us.
—Malcolm de Chazal
Topics: Words

Animals awaken, first facially, then bodily. Men’s bodies wake before their faces do. The animal sleeps within its body, man sleeps with his body in his mind.
—Malcolm de Chazal
Topics: Animals

Laughter is regional: a smile extends over the whole face.
—Malcolm de Chazal
Topics: Laughter

Monkeys are superior to men in this: when a monkey looks into a mirror, he sees a monkey.
—Malcolm de Chazal
Topics: Self-love

Old age lives minutes slowly, hours quickly; childhood chews hours and swallows minutes.
—Malcolm de Chazal
Topics: Childhood

The idealist walks on tiptoe, the materialist on his heels.
—Malcolm de Chazal
Topics: Idealism, Ideals

We sometimes laugh from ear to ear, but it would be impossible for a smile to be wider than the distance between our eyes.
—Malcolm de Chazal
Topics: Laughter

The flower in the vase smiles, but no longer laughs.
—Malcolm de Chazal
Topics: Laughter

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