Diary

It is rare for diary entries to become the most famous, most read work of a writer. This is exactly what happened with Jules Renard's "Diary" (1864-1910), published after the author's death. It contains many subtle and precise descriptions of the literary and cultural life of France at the turn of the century, portraits of the people who were at the center of this life, be it Gustave Flaubert, Émile Zola, Auguste Renoir, or Sarah Bernhardt.

The aphoristic nature of the writing made Renard's "Diary" a source of many popular quotes that have not lost their appeal to this day. For example:

Of all that we write, posterity will save at most one page. I would like to choose that page for myself.

There are two types of people: some roll the world, while others run alongside and shout, "Oh God, where is this world heading?"

If they were to build a house of happiness, the largest room would have to be reserved for the waiting area.

One day a week, I believe in the progress of humanity; I call upon it with all my might; the other six days - I rest.

About his "Diary," Jules Renard wrote: "After all, this is the best and most useful thing I managed to do in my life."

Jules Renard (1864-1910) - a French writer and playwright.