Raymond Queneau Quotes

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The classical author who writes his tragedy observing a certain number of known rules is freer than the poet who writes down whatever comes into his head and is slave to other rules of which he knows nothing.

Raymond Queneau

The poet is never inspired, because he is the master of that which appears to others as inspiration. He does not wait for inspiration to fall out of the heavens like roasted ortolans. He knows how to hunt...He is never inspired because he is unceasingly inspired, because the powers of poetry are always at his disposition, subjected to his will, submissive to his own activity...

Raymond Queneau

When One made love to Zero spheres embraced their arches and prime numbers caught their breath.

Raymond Queneau

There was not much likelihood now that a third encounter would take place, and the fact is that from that day to this I have never seen the young man again, in conformity with the established laws of probability.

Raymond Queneau

I beg to advise you of the following facts of which I happen to be the equally impartial and horrified witness.

Raymond Queneau

Raymond Queneau

Raymond Queneau

Born: February 21, 1903

Died: October 25, 1976 (aged 73)

Bio: Raymond Queneau was a French novelist, poet, and co-founder of Oulipo, notable for his wit and cynical humour.

Known for:

Exercises in Style (1947)
Zazie in the Metro (1959)
Pierrot mon ami (1942)
We always treat women too well
The flight of Icarus (1973)

Raymond Queneau on Wikipedia

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