Gérard de Nerval Quotes

12 Sourced Quotes

For those who have no faith in immortality, its joys and sorrows, certain fatal situations can result in despair and suicide.

Gérard de Nerval
I am the somber one, the unconsoled widower, The Prince of Aquitaine whose tower was destroyed. My only star is dead, and my star-studded lute Wears the black sun of Melancholy.

Gérard de Nerval
Nothing is indifferent, nothing is powerless in the universe; an atom might destroy everything, an atom might save everything!

Gérard de Nerval
God is dead! Heaven is empty—Weep, children, you no longer have a father.

Gérard de Nerval
When asked to explain why he had chosen a lobster as his companion:
Well, you see, he doesn't bark and he knows the secrets of the sea.

Gérard de Nerval
Our illusions fall one after the other like the parings of fruit: the fruit is experience; its savor may be bitter, still it contains something that strengthens.

Gérard de Nerval
Dream is a second life. I have never been able to cross through those gates of ivory or horn which separate us from the invisible world without a sense of dread.

Gérard de Nerval
The jailer is another kind of captive—is the jailer envious of his prisoner's dreams?

Gérard de Nerval
Despair and suicide are the result of certain fatal situations for those who have no faith in immortality, its joys and sorrows.

Gérard de Nerval
In what way is a lobster more ridiculous than a dog, a cat, a gazelle, a lion, or any other animal you take for a walk? I'm fond of lobsters. They're peaceful, serious, know the secrets of the deep, don't bark, and don't invade our privacy like dogs.

Gérard de Nerval
I am the darkly shaded, the bereaved, the inconsolate, the prince of Aquitaine, with the blasted tower. My only star is dead, and my star-strewn lute carries on it the black sun of melancholy.

Gérard de Nerval
My imagination gave me infinite delight. In recovering what men call reason, do I have to regret the loss of these joys?

Gérard de Nerval