Honoré de Balzac (May 20, 1799—August 18, 1850) was a French author, generally considered to be one of the greatest novelists of all time.
After his birth, Balzac was sent to be raised by a wet-nurse, although his mother had the time and resources to nurse him. This fact along with his father’s distant attitude had a negative emotional impact on young Honore, so he sought refuge in reading everything he could get his hands on, even dictionaries.
Once his studies were completed, Balzac worked in a law office for several years, but soon realized that the profession didn’t suit him. He decided to become a full-time writer, much to his father’s disapproval.
Balzac’s lifework (excluding his theatrical plays and humorous tales), consists of a series of over ninety novels and short stories collected under the title La Comédie Humaine (“The Human Comedy”).
Balzac is regarded as one of the
founders of realism in Europe and his contribution to literature is huge. Aside
from producing a vast number of novels and short stories, Balzac helped to
establish the traditional form of the novel.
Here are 22 Honore de Balzac quotes on life, love, and human weakness.
Flavia Medrut is a freelance writer, researcher and part-time psychologist. She believes music, long walks and a good sense of humor are imperative in keeping one’s sanity.