Skip to content

Beauty Quote by Paul Valery

“[Beauty is] that which makes us despair.” quote by Paul Valery
Download Open image
“[Beauty is] that which makes us despair.”

Paul Valery

About This Quote

Source Poem: Le Cimetière marin, 1920

The quote suggests that beauty can be so overwhelming it leads to sorrow or longing.

In simple terms: Beauty can cause despair.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the bittersweet nature of beauty.

Themes

a longing philosophy

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • art appreciation
  • personal loss
  • creative inspiration
  • emotional reflection

Key Concepts

Aesthetics existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes beauty painful for you?
  • Can despair be transformed into appreciation?
A Different Perspective

Beauty may also bring hope, not just despair.

2.9 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Paul Valery

Explore all 215 Paul Valery quotes

More Beauty quotes

Browse all 24,688 Beauty quotes