Vauvenargues : de l'inquiétude vécue à l'expérience du savoir

Jean-Luc Boucherie : Vauvenargues, from experienced unease to the experience of knowledge. In his youthful letters, Vauvenargues indulges in introspection and recognizes that he is unable to choose between the voice of reason and passionate impulse ; this conflict keeps his ego in a state of unease. To guide his conduct, he wishes to reinforce his character, which is an independent authority capable of deciding the conflict between reason and passion and harmonizing their interaction. This attempt is reinforced by the theoretical reflection embodied in the moralist's maxims. The elaboration of the work itself also appears to be a means of using the energy of this "passion for arts and letters" in order to maintain the harmony between impassioned activity and the exercise of reflection.Boucherie Jean-Luc. Vauvenargues : de l'inquiétude vécue à l'expérience du savoir. In: Dix-huitième Siècle, n°23, 1991. Physiologie et médecine. pp. 369-381