The quote "Dieu a tout fait de rien. Mais le rien perce." by Paul Valery translates to "God made everything out of nothing. But the nothing seeps through." This statement encapsulates profound philosophical and existential themes, inviting reflection on creation, existence, and the nature of reality.
At its core, the first part of the quote affirms the concept of creation ex nihilo, a notion that suggests that God, or a higher power, has the capability to generate the world from a void. This aligns with various theological perspectives that emphasize the omnipotence of a creator. It evokes a sense of wonder and respect for the complexity and beauty of the universe, suggesting that everything we see has emerged from a state of non-being.
However, the second part of the quote introduces a contrasting, unsettling idea: "Mais le rien perce," or "But the nothing seeps through." This implies that despite the achievements of creation, the remnants of nothingness persist and invade our reality. It raises questions about imperfection, failure, and the inevitable return to chaos or emptiness. This notion can resonate with existentialist thoughts that confront the fragility of human existence and the thin veil that separates order from disorder.
In essence, Valery's quote serves as a reminder of the dual nature of existence—where creation and destruction are interlinked, prompting us to consider not only what has been created but also what lurks quietly beneath the surface. It challenges us to acknowledge the persistent presence of 'nothing' in a world that often glorifies form, structure, and meaning.
“L'histoire est le produit le plus dangereux que la chimie de l'intellect ait élaboré. Ses propriétés sont bien connues. Il fait rêver, il enivre les peuples, leur engendre de faux souvenirs, exagère leurs réflexes, entretient leurs vieilles plaies, les tourmente dans leur repos, les conduit au délire des grandeurs ou à celui de la persécution, et rend les nations amères, superbes, insupportables et vaines.L'histoire justifie ce que l'on veut. Elle n'enseigne rigoureusement rien, car elle contient tout, et donne des exemples de tout.”
“Entrer chez les gens pour déconcerter leurs idées, leur faire la surprise d'être surpris de ce qu'ils font, de ce qu'ils pensent, et qu'ils n'ont jamais conçu différent, c'est, au moyen de l'ingénuité feinte ou réelle, donner à ressentir toute la relativité d'une civilisation, d'une confiance habituelle dans l'ordre établi.”
“Les livres ont les mêmes ennemis que l'homme : le feu, l'humide, les bêtes, le temps, et leur propre contenu.”
“Sentimentul de a fi tot si evidenta de a nu fi nimic.”
“La meilleure façon de réaliser ses rêves est de se réveiller.”
“Noi, civilizaţiile, ştim acum că suntem muritoare. Am auzit vorbindu-se de lumi dispărute cu totul, de imperii prăbuşindu-se cu toţi oamenii şimaşinăriile lor, căzute în groapa inexplicabilă a secolelor, cu zeii, cu legile lor, cu academiile şiştiinţelor lor pure şi aplicative, cu gramaticile şi dicţionarele lor, cu clasicii, romanticii şisimboliştii lor, cu criticii şi critica criticilor lor. Ştim că pământul întreg e făcut din cenuşă şi căcenuşa semnifică ceva. Zărim prin ceaţa deasă a istoriei fantomele imenselor nave încărcate cubogăţiile spiritului. Nu le putem număra. (...). Vedem că prăpastia istoriei este destul deîncăpătoare pentru toată lumea. Simţim că o civilizaţie are aceeaşi fragilitate ca şi o viaţă.”