Single Idea 9814

[catalogued under 21. Aesthetics / B. Nature of Art / 8. The Arts / b. Literature]

Full Idea

Like every great poet, Mallarmé was engaged in a tacit rivalry with mathematics.

Gist of Idea

All great poetry is engaged in rivalry with mathematics

Source

Alain Badiou (Mathematics and Philosophy: grand and little [2004], p.20)

Book Reference

Badiou,Alain: 'Theoretical Writings' [Continuum 2006], p.20


A Reaction

I love these French pronouncements! Would Mallarmé have agreed? If poetry and mathematics are the poles, where is philosophy to be found?