Balzac Quote by A.S. Byatt
““Balzac's cynicism was always nevertheless romantic - such greed, such gusto. 'Le dégoût, c'est voir juste. Après la possession, l'amour voit juste chez les hommes.' Why should that be so? Why was disgust any clearer-eyed than desire?””
About This Quote
Source Book: Possession by A.S. Byatt, 1990
Balzac’s cynicism is framed as a romantic, passionate force, suggesting that disgust can be clearer than desire.
In simple terms: Disgust can be more honest than desire.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when criticism is more truthful than longing.
Themes
romanticism
criticism
human nature
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- reading literature
- personal reflection
- art criticism
Key Concepts
philosophy
literary analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How does cynicism reveal truth?
- When does desire blind us?
A Different Perspective
Disgust may be harsh and alienating.
![“I have learned more [from Balzac] than from all the professional historians, economists, and statisticians put together.” quote by Friedrich Engels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/22f/friedrich-engels-8301_balzac_i-have-learned-more-from-balzac-than-fro_62197.jpg)
![“Translators who choose to work on canonized writers can usually lean on an extensive critical apparatus around either the author or the book in question, especially in the case of writers like [Honore] Balzac and [Emil] Zola.” quote by Andre Naffis-Sahely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dae/andre-naffis-sahely-20813_balzac_translators-who-choose-to-work-on-canoni_67754.jpg)
