Jean d'Ormesson - Je dirai malgré tout que cette vie fut belle

A lesson in elegance and optimism for embracing the beauty of the world despite its tragedies. Jean d'Ormesson presents his book "Je dirai malgré tout que cette vie fut belle" (Ed. Gallimard) in the Salon Boireau at the Grand Théâtre in Bordeaux. Find the book here: https://www.mollat.com/livres/6086/je... Jean d'Ormesson discusses the genesis of his work, whose title is borrowed from a poem by Louis Aragon. The academician explains his philosophy of "despite everything": a joyful lucidity that acknowledges both personal hardships and the violence of the world, but chooses to celebrate the beauty of existence. He evokes, with self-deprecating humor, his privileged status, tempering this portrait with the memory of hunger during the Occupation and the loss of the family château. The conversation meanders between metaphysical reflections and delightful anecdotes, from his blunder in front of Greta Garbo to his misunderstanding involving Manuel Valls. The writer also discusses his late-blooming literary career, his initial setbacks, and his decisive role in Marguerite Yourcenar's election to the Académie Française, breaking centuries of male-dominated tradition. It's an exchange imbued with humor and wonder, in which the author confesses his admiration for life, this "theater" where tragedy and comedy intertwine. Musical Notes: Mozart: Don Giovanni - K527 Act I Madamina Catalogo è questo 0:00 Introduction 0:53 The title and the homage to Louis Aragon 3:04 The philosophy of "In Spite of Everything" 6:45 Privileges and reversals of fortune 8:43 Memories of the Occupation 11:24 Family history and regicide ancestors 14:05 Travels and friendship with Maurice Druon 18:10 The feeling of astonishment 23:00 Anecdote: Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich 26:16 Misunderstanding: The ambassador of Nepal 28:12 Late literary beginnings 33:12 The election of Marguerite Yourcenar 40:30 The author's convictions Visit the website: http://www.mollat.com/ Follow the Mollat ​​bookstore on social media: Instagram:   / ​   Facebook:   / librairie.mo...​   Twitter:   / librairiemollat​   Linkedin:   / votre-lib...​   Soundcloud:   / librairie-mollat​   Pinterest:   / librairiemo...​   Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/mollat​