Vérité, poésie et mensonge chez Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin

Abstract

According to the theosophist Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin, our universe is regulated by a system of oppositions between plural and singular, division and unity, the latter being the ideal that must be pursued by humanity. The word “mensonge” (lie, falsehood, i.e.) is often used in its singular form, and this choice seems an exception to the general use of grammatical number in the author’s production. This apparent contradiction is justified because for Saint-Martin all the errors come from an original falsehood, from a deliberate occultation of the truth. The task of the theosophist consists in revealing the world this hidden truth. Poetry, conceived as expression of the Primary Language, as a perfect unison of thoughts and signs, beauty and truth, is the most appropriate means for this revelation. In the light of Saint-Martin’s reflections on languages, by studying the meaning he conveys to terms such as “erreurs”, “mensonge” and “vérité”, I will analyze his conception of poetry in relation to them.

Keywords

• Saint-Martin (Louis-Claude de)
• Idéologues
• mysticism and linguistics
• French Revolution
• the task of the poet
• truth