There is only beauty—and it has only one perfect expression—poetry. All the rest is a lie—except for those who live by the body, love, and, that love of the mind, friendship. For me, Poetry takes the place of love, because it is enamored of itself, and because its sensual delight falls back deliciously in my soul.
—Stephane Mallarme
Topics: Poets, Poetry
The poetic act consists of suddenly seeing that an idea splits up into a number of equal motifs and of grouping them; they rhyme.
—Stephane Mallarme
Topics: Poets, Poetry
Poetry is the language of a state of crisis.
—Stephane Mallarme
Topics: Crises
All thoughts emit a throw of dice
—Stephane Mallarme
Topics: Thoughts
Dreams have as much influence as actions
—Stephane Mallarme
Topics: Dreams
The pure work implies the disappearance of the poet as speaker, who hands over to the words.
—Stephane Mallarme
Topics: Literature, Books
Everything in the world exists to end up in a book.
—Stephane Mallarme
Topics: Reading, Books
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Gerard de Nerval French Poet, Writer
Paul Valery French Critic, Poet
Alfred de Musset French Poet, Playwright
Michel Leiris French Surrealist Writer, Ethnographer
Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux French Literary Critic
Edgar Quinet French Intellectual
Arthur Rimbaud French Poet
Remy de Gourmont French Poet
Charles Baudelaire French Poet
Michel Houellebecq French Author